People Over Projects When we arrived at La Iglesia Familia, we were greeted by Diane and Ed, who gave us a great overview of what our week might be like. From the very first meeting with them, we knew that God was guiding us in our work for the week. Our group really wanted to be able to make connections within the community. We had been praying for this before and during our trip, and our prayers were answered ten-fold. We had so many opportunities to talk with, pray with, and learn from people in the community. Every day was a different experience and we really got to live out the "people over projects" approach of mission. This, to me, is so important and I'm glad we were able to take part in this mission experience.

Experience Mission is AWESOME Finding a missions organization online that truly fit how I believe missions should be done left me skeptical. But going with EM to Cuba was one of the best decisions I ever made. They are a well run authentic organization that cares for people and the places they serve deeply. Like I did, you could be wondering if its all worth the hype but if your looking for a place that does missions through a culturally competent lens this is your place. EM has amazing values, take care of each trips every detail, and I do not know one person other person who went on a trip at the same time as me who felt any other way.

3 Months Belize Baby Every single thing was absolute fire. Literally everything was unbelievably incredible and I'd give anything to live it all over again for the very first time. I absolutely love my host families, I love my Belizian friends, I love my astounding IMMERSION team, I genuinely couldn't say anything bad about this experience. Was there days where I wanted to absolutely nothing, but sit in bed and cry, yes there was, was there times I just wished I could be comfortable like I'm comfortable in my house back home, of course, there were many a time I didn't wanna see or hear anyone or anything, but those experiences are not unique to IMMERSION, we literally feel those things in our 'normal' lives all the time, maybe on a less prominent level so we don't realize it, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's literally so normal, so yes there'll be days you question your sanity for going on this trip, but every. single. day. you will love and you will cherish every single memory, character growth, relationship, etc. for the rest of your life, and don't you want that opportunity, so why not go for it and you might just have the best time of your literal life ever

Parts of the program are very good Parts of the program are very good, some others need a little polishing. My students and I enjoyed being able to mix them up in the their groups each day as to who was working together. The particular site we were on wasn't extremely organized and there were a few frustrations along the way. I'd spoken with other youth leaders prior who had had very good experiences other places, so might have been a rarity. Admin staff prior to the trip was excellent!

Good opportunity It is sometimes nerve racking going into an experience that is so different and so new than what you are used to doing. This trip definitely took me out of my comfort zone and into feeling awkward and out of place, but it is in those moments that growth happens. I learned so much about Cuba and how God is working there and also about myself... things to work on and see differently in my own life. I am very grateful that experience missions gives people my age a safe and helpful way to go overseas to see how God is working across the world.