The summer after I interned with Wesley (which I should write about one day!), before I went to be a Top Staff at Camp Ozark, I went on a one week mission trip to Honduras. While I had been in leadership roles previously on these such trips, this was my first international trip as staff. Myself and the other intern at the time led a team to assist in the long term clean up of the New Orleans surrounding areas since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area four years prior during the Christmas holiday break, but traveling abroad rather than driving always presents many more complications. There is so much to think of and prepare for when you are in charge of logistics of the overall trip. It certainly was a part of the trip that I truly value in terms of experience with ALL aspects of the mission process.
One of the girls at Wesley had a connection in San Pedro Sula from her previous trips with her church at home, so we were going into already in the beginnings of a relationship with the people were were headed down to serve. And that is something I am rather passionate about. Yes, we are called to serve others. But we are also commanded to love our neighbors. To be in real relationship with those around us, showing His compassion and mercy, not simply giving a quick fix to a long term issue. We are to teach others how to fish, rather than merely feeding them in the moment.
Each trip I’ve taken with Wesley (as with most events form formals to socials and any other gathering) we made t-shirts. Generally, the shirts have a piece of scripture, some sort of picture or logo, and the description of the event. This trip’s shirt has by far been one of favorites for several reasons. First of all it’s a lovely shade of green, and who could go wrong with that? But more importantly, I love the quote that was chosen. Honduras in Spanish literally means “the depths”. The quote is a sum of a part of scripture in Psalm 139 that says “Even in the depths You are there”. Even in Honduras You are there. The Lord is with us whether we were in Auburn, in Honduras, or any other part of the world. He goes before us. He stands beside us. And He will never leave us or forsake us. More than comfort for our aching hearts as we left to serve His people, it was our statement of purpose. To share with the people we were blessed to be in community with, if even for a short period of time. That even there – in their struggles, in their poverty, in their grief – that the God who created them would continue to sustain them.
This trip was a little different from previous trips with Wesley. We started our time with an orphanage playing with the sweet kiddos and just loving on them. Ever notice those phrases we use? We always say “be intentional” and “love on them” – while these are certainly two overused southern church jargon -it really is the perfect way to describe our purpose in being there. Intentionally speaking truth into their little hearts. Not through planned performances of Bible verses, but with one on one conversation. No scripts, no memorizing lines, or specific punch lines. Just listening, responding, and living life together. As kids on the playground.
We split into two locations for our work days, revamping a school and creating chicken coops. Painting, digging, building, and a lot of sweating filled our days that week. We reunited for dinners, worship, and devotion each night.This team was unique in it’s makeup as well. Previously, teams had been mostly sophomores and juniors with some freshman and seniors mixed in, all devoted to Wesley as their home campus ministry. This team was a strong mix of freshmen through grad students and a few students who called other campus ministries their primary home. It was cool to have such a mix of individuals come together to serve alongside one another with the same common goal.
Additionally, such trips have such a way of strengthening and solidifying preexisting friendships. I am so thankful for those individuals who I walked through life with in so many of these life changing experiences. I highly recommend serving alongside some of your favorite people – your bond will only grow, and the depth of your relationship can only deepen. Pouring into others the love of Christ just has the effect of drawing people together and building a closeness – that and sharing a room when minimal showering has been able to be achieved after long work days. You start to value things other than superficial oddities at that point and can truly focus on people’s hearts.
When have you served with close friends or family that strengthened your relationships?
