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.

Transformative Experiences What made our experience impactful wheather this is your 1st Mission trip or 100th was that we dealt with: -Personable people -Responsive Help -Transformative opportunities to allow students and adults make an impact in someones life which may only be one (1) but as a result you are forever changed how you think, act, and treat other people -Multiple

Trust in the Lord, Lean not on your own understanding From my experience, EM leaves a lot of the responsibility up to the participants, so the trip is kind of what you make of it. If you are a person that needs structure this could be a challenge for you. If you are free flowing and looking for adventure you might enjoy it more. I believe if you are willing and able to turn every day over to the Lord and let him work through you and around you this trip can have a great impact for the communities you visit and your own life—just don’t expect that impact to come through EM or their resources.

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.

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.