Why we send seniors on a mission trip. . .

From a recent alumna. . . 

Costa Rica 2013

Seniors,

 Well you've made it this far. Only a few more weeks of school at Shannon and you'll be off to the big world of college. But before you go, God has given you have the opportunity to visit a place that many people don't get to. I know you have all heard the past two years' students talk about it and how amazing it was. I know some of you are nervous or scared for many different reasons; the language barrier, a new culture, living with people you don't know, and just worried about travel in general. All of these worries are valid especially if you have never experienced something like this. However, the truth is, this trip will change your life in some way. If the kindness of the Costa Ricans doesn't effect you, then the way they live their lives will. They live everyday thanking God just for the simple air they breathe, treating each other as if they are all family, and appreciating the little things in life. I can't begin to describe the things I learned while I was there and the experiences I had with the people just eating a meal with them. Those people taught me more than I could ever learn while in college.
 In Costa Rica, you will see hardship, pain, and love unlike any other; you will come to the love the children in La Cuenca and your heart will burn when you have to leave them; you will come to treat your host family just has if you have been living with them your whole life and have the upmost respect for the struggles that the mothers go through to care for their children. Hugo is a clown (which he will tell you frequently), but his love and relationship for the families in La Cuenca is unexplainable. Carlos is always happy and smiling about everything and when he doesn't understand your English, he just says,"Oookk" and smiles. Nathan and Magaly make tons of jokes and work hard everyday to help and play with the kids. These are the people that make an impact in La Cuenca. They make what happens, happen. If I could get on the plane with you all tomorrow I would, my heart literally hurts everyday when I think about them and how much I miss my friends and "family" there.
 I hope that this letter serves as an encouragement for all of you, that you will feel the same as we all did getting to know the people there. Like I said, God has a plan for all of you and maybe your plan will be revealed to you through this trip; mine was. God bless you guys and I wish you the best of luck in your futures. Love you all!

Yours truly,

Katherine Roach