Church of the Cross, Salina, Kansas

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to go on a mission trip? Have you ever seen the youth come back from a mission trip and want what they’ve got? Me too, so when the news of an adult mission trip came out last year, my hand shot up into the air! I didn’t have to think about it, I knew I wanted to go! It wasn’t until after I’d made the commitment that I had started having doubts. Bunking up with people I don’t really know? Heading to the same location where the youth got sick on last year’s mission trip? Constructing a roof??? What do I know about that?

I am so glad my fears didn’t keep me from going to the Crow Creek Indian Reservation in June. It was the most awesome week of work, play, growth and learning! There is something for everyone on a mission trip, no matter what your skills are. Or aren’t!

As it turns out, I actually did help with the roof! Along with that I painted, cleaned, organized, raked, helped dig fence post holes, and my favorite of all, spent time with young children who don’t have responsible adults in their lives. The kids were so eager for hugs and attention. I could read to them for an hour and they were still hungry for more! They wanted to work; they wanted to learn; they wanted to help; they wanted to talk about what we were doing there and teach us about their world — anything to be with us. Before the trip I’d been leery about the work assignments. I sit behind a computer at work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. What do I have to offer? Would I have the skills to be of help? I laugh at myself for those questions now. Everyone can find their niche on a mission trip. The work didn’t even seem like work because everyone was pitching in. If I didn’t know how to do something, the next person on the team was happy to show me how. We worked together, talking and laughing and getting to know each other while we painted and cleaned. If you start out as mere acquaintances, trust me, you’ll know a lot more about each other after spending a few quality hours painting a bathroom together!

I’ll never forget the pride on the faces of the Parsons group when the girls finished digging their first post hole, or the feeling of accomplishment on Bob’s face as he swung a sledgehammer. Nor will I forget the admiration I felt for Ernie when I heard him talking with the older boys of the reservation, stressing the importance of an education while teaching them how to build a sturdy fence. He had the patience to let them help when he could have built the fence in half the time without their interruptions. He knew what was important.

I discovered that bunking up with a friend isn’t so bad after all, in fact, it’s great fun! I can’t say enough about my roomie, Dee, and my next door neighbors Linda and Michelle with whom we shared a bathroom. It’s fun to have them sit on the edge of your bed at night and talk about things that are important. And trust me, you NEVER outgrow pajama parties!!!

I am still amazed at how quickly the crew became my family. Every night I was so excited to see Loren and Terry and the rest of the roof crew return to the lodge so we could hear how their day went! I couldn’t wait to hear how much progress they’d made, and tell them how we’d spent our day at a different worksite. Dining together — all 17 of us — was a lot of fun and we had some terrific meals! Hats off to our chefs! Sharing group devotions each night felt warm and nice. What a way to wrap up a day.

Don’t think for a minute that mission trips are all work and no play! Yes ladies, we found time for souvenir shopping! We also took Wednesday off to do some sightseeing and we made several weekday evening trips to the Missouri River. One night we sat on a rocky area that jutted out into the river and talked for an hour or so while the sun set. Another evening we participated in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. I went in with great curiosity and a lot of doubts about whether or not I’d like it, and came out feeling incredibly close to God. It was a remarkable experience and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.

So you think you might like to go on a mission trip? The thought lingers in your mind? I have one word of advice: Go. Just go! Walk into it with prayer and willing hands, and allow God to use you to help others. It will be physically and emotionally challenging at times but the rewards are incredible. I can’t wait to go again!