"From Struggles to Serving: My Mission Trip Journey"

This past year has been one of the hardest of my life. I recently moved across the country, away from my friends and community, and it’s been a real struggle to adjust. I miss my friends so much and wish I had the chance to travel back to see them, but right now that just isn’t possible financially. On top of that, I’ve battled with my mental health for a long time, and there was a point where I truly felt like giving up—but God reminded me that I’m not done yet, that I still have a home in Him, and that I have a purpose. That reminder changed everything, and now more than ever I want to grow deeper in my faith, keep building that connection with God, and use my experiences to help other people who may be struggling too.

Part of what makes this so hard is the friends I had to leave behind. For years I begged and prayed for God to bring me real friends—people who would actually love me, accept me, and stand by me. Every time I thought I had found them, I would end up hurt. Friends would leave, turn their backs on me, or treat me badly, and I felt like maybe I wasn’t meant to have those kinds of relationships. Then, by the grace of God, He brought amazing people into my life who completely changed me. They showed me what true friendship looks like and reminded me that I was worthy of love and belonging. They became like family, and they helped me through some of my darkest moments. But now that I’ve moved, I don’t get to see them, and honestly, it gets so hard sometimes without them. I know God still has a plan, but the distance makes me feel like a piece of my heart is missing.

That’s why this mission trip to Mexico means so much to me. It’s not just a chance to serve people in need, though that’s a huge part of it. It’s also an opportunity for me to expand my faith in ways I can’t do on my own, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to pour love into others who may be going through their own battles. I’ve experienced firsthand what it feels like to be broken, to feel alone, and to long for hope—and I want to be there for others the way God and my friends have been there for me. This trip feels like exactly what I need right now: a chance to grow spiritually, to connect with people who share the same heart to love and serve, and to live out my faith in action.

The truth is, I can’t afford it on my own—just like I can’t afford to travel to see the friends I miss so much. That’s why I’m reaching out for help—whether through donations or simply sharing this. Every bit makes a difference, and your support would mean the world to me as I take this step forward in both my faith and my future.