My First Mission Trip

My first mission trip was a surreal experience. I was able to grow in many ways, but most important of all, spiritually. I could not have asked for better partners to praise and serve the Lord for a week in Nicaragua. Three words I would use to describe the trip are real, joyful, and touching. Real. I felt everyone on the team and the natives on Nicaragua were so genuine. It is something that can get twisted in the USA, as many times we do not know what to believe on social media, in person, etc. I felt all the people were so in the moment and wanting to serve the Lord. In my spiritual life, I will strive to be real with Jesus in my triumphs and struggles to better myself to bring others closer to Him. Joyful. The singing of the Nicaraguan people in service is a small example of how much joy they have for God. I also witnessed how thankful they were that our mission team was there the whole week. The residents loved to interact with us, even though there was a language barrier. A member of our group during devotion explained the difference between temporary happiness vs permanent joy, and joy is what the Nicaraguan people possess. In my life, if people with way less resources can be joyful every day they wake up, why can’t I? I am blessed with many great people and places around me, and there is no excuse to not be a shining light for others to see. If God is first in my life and I am following Him, that is more than enough to be joyful. Touching. There were many times throughout the trip that I got “the chills”. Whether it was singing a song, hearing different testimonies, or smiling and waving at others who don’t speak the same language, God was ever present throughout the trip. The universal love for God from the people I encountered made me realize how powerful His love truly is. The experience helped “move the needle” on me becoming more of a shepherd for the Lord instead of a sheep. I thought to myself many times, “why not now?”. At a younger age, the time is now for me to touch the hearts of my generation, spreading God’s word. I am so honored to be able to experience a medical mission trip and share in God’s love with the GHO team and the Nicaraguan people.