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Mission Trips continued from page 7
they must follow advice about what is safe to eat, and familiarize themselves about potential dangers in the destination country. Respect group leaders, as they will have established important rules that will ensure individual and group safety. It is equally as important for parents to learn where the money for each mission trip is allocated. Cost must include room, board, transportation and other associated fees. The money collected from each student may include part of the project, such as distributing school supplies, clothing, or building materials. Trips can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000 depending on location. Teens should be
encouraged to raise the funds themselves by writing letters to friends and family describing what they would be doing and inviting others to share the blessing by contributing to their “mission fund.” Taking responsibility for raising part of the money should be among the expectations. Returning Home Be prepared for your teen to feel deeply changed when they return home. People will assume they have enjoyed an exotic vacation; few will understand the impact of this life-changing experience. It can take more time than expected to digest what was seen, heard, felt and learned and return to feeling “normal.” Teens who have participated in a mission trip to a foreign country may experience a
breakthrough in their lives. They may become more generous, more sacrificing, and more focused on making a positive difference. They may become more healthconscious, more intent on healing their relationships, and more consciously grateful for what they have. Some of life’s most important lessons are taught outside the classroom. Even the most well-planned trip will have unanticipated challenges requiring flexibility. During my stepson’s trip to Peru, a group needed to cross part of the Amazon River; torrential downpours had forced them to hike three miles out of their way on muddy dirt paths and through water that had become higher than they expected. Some students panicked, others
drew upon inner resources. The leaders and teens were forced to cooperate in unexpected ways. Students discovered more about themselves in that short experience than on the rest of the trip altogether. There are a number of mission trips open to teenagers. Interested students should research organizations and mission trips that best suit their interests. It is one trip that will make a world of difference. Marianne Clyde is a licensed marriage and family therapist who travels extensively to developing countries teaching trauma healing. Her practice is based in Warrenton, VA, focuses on helping clients break through those barriers that keep them from living the abundant life that they were created to live.
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Piedmont Family Magazine 2013 • Issue 2
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