Senior High Mission Trip
South Dakota
June 9-17, 2007

An Adult Perspective: My Mission Trip Experience
by Melinda Yoder

The purpose of the mission trip from my personal perspective was to give something of myself--my time--to helping others who are in need. I didn't go into it with the idea of what I would get out of it. However, I think what I received was as valuable a gift to me as anything that I was able to do there. Watching these young people learn, grow, and give of themselves was an inspiration. How deeply they felt about doing the work and completing the work when it looked like we would be rained out! The respect that was shown was wonderful - whether it was to my constant nagging about seat belts and sunscreen, or respecting the traditions of the people on the reservation, the kids were great!

If you were to ask what was the most surprising thing to me from the trip, it was really how surprised these kids were that people lived like this and some of the situations that surrounded the people living there. The living conditions, the education level of some of the kids, the attitudes and circumstances behind some of those attitudes: I guess I had an idea of what I would see so there wasn't a ton of surprise on my part, but I believe it was a good thing to have exposed these young people to a world outside of their own, cultures different than their own, living in conditions vastly different than their own. And to see their compassion and the true desire to help make a difference somehow was, again, inspiring. Even those that couldn't participate in all the functions, that they found their own way to connect with the people there and give to them was so generous and unexpected. It sounds trite, but it warms the heart.

From my own personal Native American background, it was a lifetime experience. I do have, know, and live my tribe's rich culture but have grown up very differently than the people in South Dakota. I had worried a little about the reactions that I would face, from the people there as well as the people on the trip. But, there was nothing but respect, no laughing or making fun of. I have come back with a whole new perspective of these kids, of the other adults on the trip, of the church as a whole: good hearts, good people, new friends. My respect for Rick in seeking out these opportunities and for the adults who give of themselves to help these kids have an experience like this is tremendous. The church should be very proud to have this group as "ambassadors". I was proud to be there.

Again, many thanks for allowing me to be a part of this experience. I would love to do it again one day.