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.

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.

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.

Pikeville, KY Our leaders were amazing! We loved the projects, outreaches AND People of Pikeville!! The week was well structured and the evenings were planned to allow some free time which was nice! Evening gathering was always great. The food was fresh and there were good options.