In the past few years my family has been a part of several missions’ trips but I was always too young to participate. Then last spring, our church announced they would be going to India on a mission trip. Before I had even heard about the India trip I was planning on going to Peru with school, except my decision to go was lacking peace. When I heard about India something inside said “go,” which started a whole new experience I couldn’t have imagined.

As a training exercise for the trip we traveled to Toronto to minister to the homeless and pray for any needs they might have. I was nervous but on the way there while listening to some music the Holy Spirit came on me so strong that I was shaking. From that point on my view of ministering was changed and it became a great experience.

I knew that my next mission experience would be India and I had to admit that I was scared. I prayed daily for what might happen until I heard about the terrorist attacks that occurred in the region that we would be staying in, I knew that we had to go and that God had a purpose for us being there.

Well we got to India and I was finally at peace about it, but I wasn’t ready for all that would happen. The first day all I could think about was going home, but God wasn’t finished yet. I was nervous in Mumbai because of all the people that wanted something from us and because I wasn’t sure how to give. I just kept thinking about Wiarton, and how it would be so nice to cross the street without horns blaring and the threat of getting hit by bikes, which is what we encountered everyday along with the begging and poverty, but also the amazing beauty.

The camp that we attended really impacted us. After we arrived safely we were all aware of God’s love and perfect timing. A small village that we were supposed to walk through to get to the first camp location was holding a meeting when we arrived and a militant leader was speaking against Westerners and Christians. We were in danger so we had to find a new location for the adventure camp. Once the camp was established we met with the youth and felt so loved because we were accepted, no questions asked.

We participated in various activities but in almost every one that I did, something wrong would happen. I was scared by the end of it all and I didn’t want to be involved. I ended up having a good cry and my friends circled around me and prayed, which got me through those times. By the end of it I realized how much God loves us and how He never leaves us, which I had forgotten prior to the trip.

That was the biggest promise that I had from Him during my mission experiences. I know it can sound cliché, but one evening in India we climbed part of a mountain and looked at the stars and the love of God was evident as we realized how small we are but also how important we are to Him. The truth of that is what get’s me through the tough days and I know will be a reminder to us in the many missions to come. I know that this will not be our last.