A Leap of Faith The Lord works in mysterious ways and it’s the moments you expect God to show up the least that He shows up the most. Throughout my time in South Africa, I not only got to know a different culture and country, I got to know an entirely different people group. I got to learn their names, hear their stories, share my stories and build relationships that never would’ve happened if I decided not to go and backed out. Trust me, I had every opportunity to, but when you allow God to do a work in your life and also pour into your life through relationships with others. It’s a truly indescribable experience of what God takes you through and how He brings you to the other side.

Trust in the Lord, Lean not on your own understanding From my experience, EM leaves a lot of the responsibility up to the participants, so the trip is kind of what you make of it. If you are a person that needs structure this could be a challenge for you. If you are free flowing and looking for adventure you might enjoy it more. I believe if you are willing and able to turn every day over to the Lord and let him work through you and around you this trip can have a great impact for the communities you visit and your own life—just don’t expect that impact to come through EM or their resources.

the GOAT Experience Mission is an incredible, God-centered organization that puts the dignity of ALL God’s people second to none. Their staff is world class, each of them love God and love people to their bones. The training is adequate and eye-opening; and the trip is life-altering. I recommend them for any sort of trip you’re looking to take. From 2 week to gap year, there isn’t another organization that I would suggest over them. I personally did Caribbean immersion and it was a great time of growth in my life. I wish I could relive it often. The relationships I formed will last a lifetime.

There were so many experiences and… There were so many experiences and people that I was so blessed to meet. This trip also grew my faith in was that I didn’t necessarily know I needed and gave me more confidence in my relationship with Christ. The immersion staff was very kind and a solid rock for all of us and were more friends by the end of the trip.

Unreal experience Unreal experience! Best decision of my life! I learned so much about my faith and how I can better interact with God. I was lost but now am found and along the way made some lifelong friends and they taught me where I find God the most and how to connect with him. I learned that love overcomes all things and that community and who you surround yourself with influence you more than you can understand. I cannot thank everyone involved in this trip enough for helping me grow in my faith and general outlook of my future! It has been a blessing to be a part of such an amazing opportunity!