| This summer, I traveled to Kenya, Africa, for my first mission trip. At first, I was hesitant to come. Selfishly, I was slightly disappointed that I would be missing my VBS, church camp, and sports commitments that I attend every year. I was also unsure of what the conditions would be like and came in knowing only one family on the team. Nevertheless, I was excited to join this mission trip because it was something I had always wanted to do. I have always had a strong passion for serving, especially when it involves working with children. When I was younger, I looked up to my counselors and youth leaders because of how much they loved and cared for me. Now that I am older and have become a youth leader myself, I strive to carry that same dedication and impact to those around me.
I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in Kenya, but I came with the mindset that I was going to help the children. By God’s grace, that idea was completely backwards. Throughout those eight days, I experienced God’s love in a way I never had before. I realized that this trip was never about me or what I was able to do for these children. It wasn’t about coming home with some amazing story to tell people or proving that I had made a difference. Instead, my perspective shifted. I began to see how God was using these children to change my heart and soften it. I witnessed a deep and steadfast faith in God that was present in so many of the children. Their devotion, discipline, and joy inspired me and grounded me in where true joy comes from. So many of the things I had once valued suddenly seemed insignificant.
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