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.

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.

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!

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.

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!