I went on my very first missions trip the summer of 2019. I was able to do this, because of many people believing in missions and supporting young people like me, who dream of going. A group of us were able to go to Ghana, West Africa, and it was life changing. I had the best experience I could have ever imagined in this beautiful country.
I was able to visit multitudes of towns and small villages full of the most genuine individuals I’ve ever met. I fell madly in love with all of the children that surrounded us everywhere we went. They had me wrapped around each of their little fingers.
I experienced love like never before. These people meet you and instantly love you with all they’ve got. I am so honored to be able to say that I have built lifelong friendships in a matter of 10 days.
From visiting a jail, a college, a few elementary schools, and numerous churches, there’s something about they way they carry themselves and love on others that wrecked me. Leaving Ghana was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done. It was tremendously heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to these people that I so easily have received now as family. Having to leave a culture of utter joy and value. It was as if I was leaving home, to go home.
At the airport, I was crying and couldn’t seem to stop; not really knowing why. All I could say is, “I don’t want to leave.” As I’ve been home now for well over a year, I have been processing everything and everyone I encountered, including God. I can honestly say that I could not stop those tears, because God had an encounter with me through the selfless, fierce, and raw love generously given to me by almost every person I met.
My heart hurt for a solid week of being back home, like I was homesick. I have now realized I was not saying goodbye, but, “See ya later!” Ghana hasn’t seen the last of me; I will be back very, very soon. Thank you for being a fellowship of people that support, pray, and encourage young people to experience the mission field. None of your giving goes to waste. People who gave to my trip made a way for me to experience such beautiful things.
A piece of my heart is in Ghana… And It has sparked something inside my heart for missions.
In Matthew 25:40 the Bible says, “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” I never truly understood it when people said that missions will forever change you, until now. Missions will always have a place in my life, my finances, and my heart.
I encourage everyone who has an opportunity to go, go! If you have an opportunity to give for someone else to go, give! Either way you will be a part of something so much bigger than yourselves and you will be blessed!
I’m already planning my trip back to see all my friends that I have kept in contact with for the last year and half. Summer 2022 can’t come fast enough!
Abbey Friedrich
#winbuildsend, #elevateministries, #pcglobal, #pcmissions, #missions, #praisechapel, #mymissionsexperience
