Student missions blog: I’m back in Texas after 50-plus days away. People ask me, “I bet you’re glad to be back, right?” I usually just respond with a nod, because on the inside, I don’t really know my answer.

Student missions blog: God worked in me to always trust his will and to have faith that he works out the details. If I had said no, I would have missed out on meeting and learning from some incredible people.

Student missions blog: The Muslim call to prayer cuts through this city five times a day. I should be used to it by now, but it still catches me off guard every time.

Student missions blog: I reluctantly agreed to go with a friend to her church’s outreach in a less-fortunate area of the city. I was tired from working the day shift at the clinic, but I decided it would be fun to try something new.

Student missions blog: God has made me understand that missions is not what we do; it is who we are in Jesus Christ. It is to show the love of God in everything we do—no matter if we feel or think we are not making a big impact around us.

Student missions blog: Somewhere in my church life, I got the idea that children’s ministry is on the back burner, and all the focus should be on adults and youth. I have been terribly wrong.

Student missions blog: One of the ways we serve and share is through English classes offered every Tuesday and Thursday. … Most who attend the English class are over the age of 40 and have pretty much settled down their lives while having years rooted in their Orthodox religion.

Student missions blog: On my first week here in Central Asia, I met a good friend. Since then, we have done fun things together. We walked around town, visited coffee houses, shared meals and watched the World Cup, always sharing deep conversations and lots of laughter.

Student missions blog: I’ve wanted to do mission work in the Middle East since my freshman year of college. … But when I got here, it didn’t look like the fairy tale I had created in my mind with bright colors and camels everywhere.

Student missions blog: I was born with a clubfoot. My left leg is shorter than my right leg, my left foot is two sizes smaller than my right foot, and my left calf is half the size of my right calf.

Student missions blog: What I wasn’t expecting, though, was his friend to be the one interested in the one true Father of all nations.

Student missions blog: I stood up and leaned out as far as I could. The only breaths of fresh air I could catch came from the sea breeze that would occasionally hit my face.