Summer is the season for lying on the beach, eating fresh fruit, earning money at that summer job, going to concerts and chilling with your friends. But wait – all of this sounds kind of self-indulgent. Why not spend your summer serving God, serving others and having fun? In honor of my mission trip to Botswana last year and being on summer mission in Orlando, Florida right now, here are some things that you'll probably experience on a mission trip.
1. A new family.
You'll probably be on a team of 10 or more people. Working with one another may be awkward at first, but trust me they'll feel like family soon enough. You'll have your own inside jokes and wonderful memories, and the bond that you create with your team is hard to describe to anybody else.
2. Cramped car/van rides.
Car rides are one of the reasons your team will be so close with one another (literally). It's always a miracle to see how 16 people can fit in an 8-passenger van or figuring out how carpooling with work out exactly. But these road trips aren't so bad, because you'll always have...
3. Awesome music.
You'll quickly become comfortable with singing loudly in front of one another. A good playlist is what makes those long, cramped car rides worth it.
4. New words.
If you're going on an international mission, you might experience a new language. Prepare yourself to be a little confused. Most likely, you won't go home as a fluent speaker, but you might be able to say a couple of phrases. And that's pretty cool.5. Interesting food.
Keep an open mind and try everything. You don't have to like the food, but at least have a willingness to experience and understand a different culture. Plus, you might find your new favorite meal!
6. Obstacles.
You will be faced with challenges at every turn. You're going to be really tired from long days of work, homesickness and unwillingness to do some of the tasks set before you.
7. Encouragement.
Yet, despite the difficulties, your team members will always be there to lift you up and encourage you. It's awesome to see how God speaks though them to give you the energy you need to carry on. Through the obstacles, God will be your strength, and it's really uplifting to see that he never leaves your side.
8. Adventure.
If you're serving in Botswana, you might go on a safari. If you're in China, you might venture up the Great Wall. If you're in Spain, you could walk the Camino de Santiago hike. And if you're in Orlando, you might spend the day in Disney World. In the midst of your hard work, take a break and do something you'll never have the chance to do ever again.
9. Growth.
You're going to grow in your faith, knowledge and love for God. And it will be awesome to return with a new found passion and desire to serve him at home.
"Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain and I can't control."
10. God.
This one's a given. From the beginning to the end (and beyond), you'll see God work in miraculous ways throughout the trip. Whether it's through that challenging spiritual conversation or through raising the support to even go on the mission, He plays a role in all of it. God is up to something wonderful in your summer mission trip.
Have fun serving others and showing them your joy in Christ!
