Mission trips provide more than average vacation

Guest Columnist Erin Vollmer

This summer I am planning on going on a mission trip to Ohio with my church, Carmel Lutheran. Over spring break last year I went on a mission trip with ten others to the Dominican Republic and it was the best experience and accomplishment of my life. My excitement flowed through my body as I boarded the plane, not knowing what to expect. We didn’t have a plan before going there; we just wanted to help however we could. While in the Dominican, we visited schools, churches, and villages that needed hope and excitement, but that is what they gave to us. One day we visited a Conani home where disabled children lived and I saw the dedication and love displayed by the workers there. It made me think about how many times I go to work because I have to, not because I want to, and it made me want to display joy in everything I do. 

Before traveling, we all had worries about the language barrier due to the fact that only a couple of us could speak minimal Spanish and I was still taking Spanish II. This proved to not be an issue throughout the trip, but especially one day when I met a boy in a village we visited. In one house we were learning about a person who came to the village each week and worked with the kids on learning activities. I saw a boy sitting across from me and I started doing the hand jive and he started copying my moves. On the way out he grabbed my hand and stayed with me the entire day communicating through lion noises instead of speaking. 

Another great factor that comes from a mission trip is the great relationships that are formed with others and yourself. During these trips, all usual distractions, including phones, a busy schedule, or nerves are taken away

 which gives a great opportunity to figure out who you truly are and expand on the person you want to be. Friends form deeper relationships due to the minimal distractions, amazing experiences, and not to mention the numerous inside jokes that are formed. My friends that went on the mission with me have stayed a great support group for me and we often have “reunions” to hang out together and share memories from the trip. 

Throughout the trip I learned so many things about myself, others, and my relationship with God that I am thrilled to be going on one again this summer. I will be going with thirteen other teenagers and five adult guides to Ohio to help out immigrants and teach them basics of living in America. We will be staying at a church in Cleveland and having devotions every day to keep our faith strong. Our plans include a Vacation Bible School for the kids living there and other unplanned service activities during the afternoons. One day, we will go to Cedar Point to relax and have fun! I am not sure exactly what we will be doing, but I am sure I will get a life changing experience and a re-charge of faith and energy.