Here is a letter from one of our Ambassador participants from this past summer. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me!
When my mom first told me about an AIM mission trip, it didn't sound all too appealing to me. In fact, I had absolutely no interest in going whatsoever.
I fought against it as much as I could, but the wiser of us two won the battle (my mom of course). I had never been on a mission trip outside of America and didn't really know what to expect. But within the first two days of arriving at training camp, I knew this trip would change my life.
While in Mexico, the luxuries we enjoy here in America were stripped away. I learned to live and be content with the simple things in life, instead of always wanting more and better. Spending time with the people there gave me a new appreciation of what I have here. You think your house is small? Try living underneath a car door. It was heartbreaking to witness, yet eye opening.
The daily debriefs not only helped knit our team together, but also helped me focus on God and his plan for me. I can say in all honesty I didn't miss my phone, computer, friends, etc. Shocking, I know. I was able to pull away from my comfort zone and pour myself into the people and God's work for us there.
This trip put a lot of things in perspective for me. For instance, the difference in cultures. One of our activities was a Vacation Bible School for the children in a local colonia or community. Our supplies consisted of a soccer ball, a church the size of a large living room, and some paper and pens. The children had the time of their lives. Seeing the joy and gratefulness in the their eyes gave me the greatest happiness I have ever felt. Now, in America you try putting on a VBS with those materials and you'll never hear the end of the complaints! Our culture is defined by stuff, the more the better, whereas in Mexico (or any third world country for that matter) satisfaction can be found in the simplest of things.
I started out thinking mission trips were pointless and unproductive in the grand scheme of things. I am now planning to participate on the 11 month World Race when I graduate high school and may even make a career out of mission work. God has completely changed not only my outlook on life, but my future as well. Why should I waste my life pleasing myself, when I could help somebody in need? Because in the end, being a light in someone's hopelessness gives you greater fulfillment than living for your own pleasure any day.
