Statements From Former Youth Mission Participants"The whole experience was not only lots of fun, but also very sobering. There are many things I learned about life: to be grateful for what I have, especially, and also, that any little thing can change somebody's life, like a smile. I know now, better than before, that you can live in the same country, but lead really different lives. I determine to help anyone I can, whenever I can, but more so, to pray for others." Sheila Nabuuma Wavamunno, Ugandan Youth Team, 2004
The first thing I tell everybody about the trip is how generous the Africans are to us...everywhere we went, we were treated like royalty, and yet they have so little..." Dan Donegan, Shelton, CT, USA Team, 2004
"I tell (them) how lucky we are here in America...I have everything I could need or want at my disposal here, but to somebody in one of those villages, I now know how rich I am! We have so much here, and we always seem to want more. The people I met on the mission had so little in comparison, but they were still so grateful and good-spirited. Now, when I give people the 'children in Africa are starving, so finish the food you've taken and appreciate it' speech, I really know what I am talking about!" Kathy Kaufmann, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Team, 2004 ------------------------ "I think I have always wanted to do mission work after college (and during, if possible) but now, I have a taste of it. Actually, I am even more driven having gone to Africa. My current life seems somewhat irrelevant having been, but I'm trying to tell myself that what I'm doing right now is a foundation for any future work. So, I keep a mental picture of Africa before me... The trip was so much more than I expected. I'd love to go back as soon as God sees fit and provides the means." Jenny Riedel, Waterford, VA, USA Team, 2004 ------------------------ "I feel now, that life is too short to live half-heartedly. God has truly opened my eyes to a deeper purpose in my life, which includes helping others. I am now considering a career in the missions field..." Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of this mission trip. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life...God has blessed us all so richly! Haydn Stands, Columbia, SC, USA Team, 2004 ------------------------ "The trip was fun!! I actually did install solar panels, and saw the recipients so happy and excited. I did my University course, practically! I met both the first ladies of Uganda and Tanzania... ...I have purposed to do electro-mechanical engineering at the University, so well, and use it to benefit my community. I should do whatever I can for my community, however small it may seem." Anonymous, African Team Member, 2004
|