Student Missions Blog: As I prepared for this mission trip, I constantly was asked, “Why the Middle East?” Of course, it was easy to say, “Well, God said ‘go,’ so I’m going.” But at the end of the summer, my answer has changed a bit.

Student missions blog: Investing in all people is important. …  But when we invest in children, we get to be a part of building their foundation and building their frame of reference.

Student missions blog: We have been “yala-yala”-ing a lot for a couple of weeks. That’s the local word meaning to walk around leisurely and talk to everyone you encounter to show them they are important to you. … It affords us the opportunity to tell stories about Jesus.

Student missions blog: Every night I prayed, retraced my steps, prayed, retraced my steps. I prayed that I would get rid of what was distracting me in any way I could.

Student Missions blog: God truly is strong when we are weak. …  I felt discouraged. But God’s word says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Student missions blog: As I looked down at my paint-covered hands, I felt defeated. … In that moment, I was ready to walk away.

Student Missions blog: I’ve never felt so drained. I’ve never felt so exhausted. Yet I’m content. I feel at peace with the fact it is an honor to serve here and to build relationships. … It is an honor to feel like I am about to collapse but still feel the Holy Spirit working in me, pushing me through it.

Student Missions blog: We came here with the mindset of a “missionary.” For us, we think of it as an experience in which you prepare beforehand with more prayer, read the Bible, have more accountability and then proceed turn on your “missionary switch.”

Student Missions blog: Although Mercy Midwives is a medically based mission, caring for laboring mothers, my teammates and I continually seek out opportunities not only to share God’s love through actions, but also to present the Good News of salvation.

Student Missions blog: Maria had never slept on what we would call a bed, bathed in what we would call a shower, or owned a cell phone. … Her house was about 6 feet tall—three walls and a roof, each made of a single sheet of tin. 

Student Missions blog: It was a long week, and it had not been what I thought it was going to be. There have been multiple times I have said to myself, “I did not sign up for this.”

Student Missions Blog: I am, by nature, a shy, reserved, look-before-I-leap creature of habit with an utter lack of confidence in social interactions. Leeds called me to be a gregarious, warm, adaptable risk-taker. … My security blankets all were left behind in America.