“You go on a missions trip expecting to make an impact on the people and communities that you visit and you realize that they end up making an impact on you. ”
My passport is clutched in my hand; I haven’t let it out of my sight since we passed through the airport gates. My backpack sits heavily at my feet its familiarity makes me feel a little bit better. My ears pop as we begin our descent into Nairobi for my overseas mission trip.
My name is Evelyn, and I’m the social media and content director for Hope Kenya. Recently I went on a missions trip to Kenya, and it was a life changing experience. Since some people have never been on an overseas mission trip, let alone a trip to Kenya, I will be blogging about my experiences to give you some insight into what your first trip might look like. At Hope Kenya we believe that hands on service is the best way to make an impact on the world. Additionally, hands on service gives you the unique opportunity to see the positive impact you can have on the world in real time.
I have volunteered for Hope Kenya for a long time, and no matter how you contribute, a mission trip will totally change your perspective on what we do and you will be able to see how much impact you truly have. It is one thing for me to coordinate the Hope Kenya Facebook and Twitter account and it is quite another to see with my own eyes the important work that we do. If you are planning on going on a mission trip, then I hope this will give you an idea of some of the things you will experience, and if you aren’t planning on going I hope that this post will convince you to join us on our next trip.
Be Flexible
One of the first things to know before embarking on a foreign mission trip is that flexibility is key. Things in other countries often do not work the same way that things in the United States do. Our mission trips are always led by someone who speaks the local languages and understands the culture of the area. This makes our trips and our volunteers safer and more productive. Occasionally, the guide of the trip will seem to spontaneously change plans, this is often because of conditions that could not be changed or predicted and is always for a good reason. It is important to follow all directions of the guide in a timely manner even though they may seem inconvenient. In the end travelling is always more about the journey than the destination so slow down, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
Go with an Open Mind
Prepare yourself for a little bit of culture shock, things will be very different than what you are used to. This is what makes trips so enriching. You will be seeing and experiencing so many different things, be sure to have an open mind. Be willing to try new things! Besides the main goal of serving, mission trips also expose you to different things that you would have never thought of before. Remember, everything is part of the experience. We want you to fall in love with the country, the food you will eat, and the people you will meet. Open yourself to new experiences and new perspectives.
Learn
Before leaving for your trip learn as much as you can about where you are going. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have. Also, be sure to do your own research, learn as much as you can about your destination. Research the culture, geography, local language and customs. During your mission you will be living and working in a culture and country that is unlike anything else you have experienced before. Being well informed will make your trip be more fulfilling and it will also help you be more aware of your surroundings. Learning about your destination before going will make your trip a more enriching adventure.
Embrace Excitement
You’re not in Kansas anymore! Exciting is a good way to describe what your trip will be like, mission’s trips are fast paced and filled with excitement. You will have so many stories to tell when you get back. Traveling comes with the constant state of not knowing exactly what is coming next, don’t fight it, enjoy it! You will be so busy and engaged that you won’t have time to miss the comforts of home. You will sleep well at night after every busy day. Each day is filled with something new, exciting, and sometimes a little scary, and this is one of the best parts.
Expect Life Change
Missions trips have sometimes been dismissed as vacations that make your conscience happy, but actually they are much more. Nothing changes your viewpoint like a mission trip. You will meet some of the most amazing, kind and courageous people. You will hear heartbreakingly beautiful stories of overcoming hardship that will change your life forever. You go on a mission trip expecting to make an impact on the people and communities that you visit but you will realize that sometimes mission’s trips are not just to enrich them, but to enrich you.
Be prepared to have a change of perspective, whether its realizing how fortunate compared to others around the world, meeting people whose friendship and wisdom will change your life, or developing a passion for serving people of the world, you will not come back the same. This is the gift of a mission trip.
Photos and Writing By Evelyn Wilson
Read Evelyn's full blogging series online at www.hopekenya.us