You're about to go on your first mission trip. Your nerves might be a mess; I know for a fact mine were. No matter where your trip might be: in the states or in a country you never thought you would go to. For me, Nicaragua was always a dream of mine. I had grown up hearing about everyone in my church going to Nicaragua. It was always a life goal of mine to make it there and serve the Lord. So therefore, I'm going to give your a few pointers about your first mission trip.
1. BE FLEXIBLE
No, not actually flexible, but be open to change. Sometimes things do not go as planned. You might not leave on time, your daily activity might change. This is one thing that you are told before you even step foot into a mission trip.
2. Your outfits
Make sure that your outfits will not offend anyone. You are there to spread the word of God, you do not need to make anyone upset with how you are dressed.
3. Be prepared to fall in love
In Nicaragua, it is mainly barrios with small dirt roads and most people cannot afford a house. They often times live in a tin house, so it is super humbling when you go and see how much that they do not have. One thing that you will learn is that they are thankful regardless of what they do have. The children are just like normal children, but yet a little different: they are not bored all the time. The kids in Nicaragua are always looking for a good time, and they constantly have a smile on their face.
4. GOD
Make sure you make time everyday to have a personal, one-on-one time with just you and God. Read your Bible, and write down some of the things that happened that day.
5. Journal about your trip
One thing that I learned while I was there is JOURNAL. If you journal whenever you get the chance on your mission trip, it will be easier to talk about it once you get back home. Even though you might remember all of it, it is always something nice to look back on years down the road.
Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19