My Missions Trip to California

Freshman year, I had the opportunity to go to Orange, California for a missions experience/youth gathering through the Baptist church in Emery. I wanted to go so bad so I asked my mom, she was all for it! She actually thought it sounded so fun that she wanted to come with too. I thought that would work, because then I wouldn’t have to keep track of all my money.

We fund-raised for about a year. We sold pizzas and we also hosted a spaghetti supper. If you know me you would know that I absolutely hate fundraising. I was just so excited for when we left on that trip in July. I invited Tyra and her sister, Tessa, to come on the trip as well.

It was finally the day we left for California. We left the church at 3 in the morning to make it to Minneapolis for our direct flight. We got on the bus and we all decided to sleep because we were so tired, but sleeping on this bus was impossible. Our bus driver almost killed us because he was falling asleep behind the wheel. He was hitting both sides of rumble bars and hit traffic cones. But, we made it to Minneapolis, safely.

We made it to LAX and headed towards Chapman University, where we were all staying. There were kids from all over at this conference. My group got to serve at a trailer park in Costa Mesa and Tyra and I basically built a whole fence ourselves with the help of one of the leaders. When we got done working, we were playing in the sand volleyball tournament, getting starbucks, or hanging in our dorms. At night we had the gathering which was so fun! DJ’s from Sioux Falls provided all the amazing music.

Going to California was one of the best experiences of my life. From serving, to meeting new people, it is something I’ll never forget. I am still friends with many people I met. It makes me want to go back every time I see a picture or memory on my phone. Go on a missions trip if you ever get the chance, you wont regret it!