What was the most difficult or challenging part of your trip?
How did God use it to teach you?
Challenging Experiences
|
Short-term missions. Long-term relationships. |
|
Short-term missions. Long-term relationships. |
What was the most difficult or challenging part of your trip?
How did God use it to teach you?
I think the toughest part of my trip to El Salvador this summer was the language issue. I do speak some Spanish, and as the team leader and a CFCI staff member I often found myself in situations in which I was trying to communicate complicated things about the schedule or the team’s needs. It was frustrating to not be able to quite get out what was in my head.
Through this, I realized it’s hard for me to accept grace from others and just be ok with not being perfect at something. I felt that I went on the trip to offer love and grace to others, but every time I opened my mouth I needed grace and patience from them. I think that’s an important lesson for me in my relationships with others and with God. I have a tendancy to want to do everything perfectly, make no mistakes, and not need help from others…the trip was a good reminder that I need grace too, just like everybody else.
I think the hardest part of my trip to Panama in March was after I became sick. I became easily discouraged and didn’t want to partake in activities because I was low on energy. I learned to give up my struggles to God, and that when I rest in him it’s way better then getting a good nights sleep.
One challenging experience was getting sick this past year just before the trip and remaining sick the whole week. However, this sickness was also a blessing because God allowed me to take a step back and really see His power and grace in other people’s lives. I was really able to watch some of the other students grow in their faith throughout the week. In addition, this challenge required me to place more faith and trust in God to guide and lead the trip.
Another challenge is definitely the language issue. I felt like I was pretty good at Spanish, but reading/writing is nothing like speaking/listening. My first year it was difficult to keep up with the speed of conversation, but my second year it was a lot easier but still a challenge. Through this challenge, I really witnessed the love and kindness of the people in El Salvador. The locals were so willing to talk slower and try over and over again until I understood what they were saying. This was an incredible demonstration of God’s love and mercy.
The trip was a great experience overall, the biggest challenge I faced was evangelizing in Spanish. I was very afraid at first but God took over in a supernatural way and the people responded very well. I was moved by what the Spirit did though me and how people were changed by God’s love!!! It was a blessing!