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.

Count the Cost. It’s Still Worth It. The Lord used this time to point out areas of my life that needed to change. Being surrounded by imperfect but committed believers in a new environment is a bigger blessing than you can imagine. I hope that if you read this, that you choose to set aside time to break from the rush of American life. It’s worth it. I promise.

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.

My time serving on an IMMERSIAN team… My time serving on an IMMERSIAN team was the most transformational experience of my life. Taking time to step away from the pace of life in the U.S. and learning that other cultures have a lot to offer, some of which cannot be put into words, changed me for the better. I encourage anyone and who is looking to serve the kingdom, or even just looking for an intercultural experience to do so through EM. You will never be the same. And you’ll never regret it.

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.