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.

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.

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.

Keep the main thing the main thing Overall immersion is a wonderful program and it truly does work. An experience is what you make it, if you are focused on all the negatives you will miss everything else. It’s important to remember that you are there to serve the Lord. It’s not about you it’s about Him. Keep the Main thing the Main thing and you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

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.