The mission trip to Chicago really impacted my life because it gave me a chance to experience things that I might not normally experience here in Litchfield. I was around kids that come from a different background than I do. Learning karate and self defense is part of their daily routine because living in the inner city they always have the fear of violence and need to protect themselves. It really makes me appreciated what I have. I saw God at work when I was around the kids at BVM. All I had to do was be around them and make them feel loved and they would call me their best friend. It was really hard to leave them at the end of the week.
By Kristen Solbrack
This Chicago trip was an eye opening experience. From walking the streets of downtown Chicago, to working at the BVM site, you saw the different ways of how the people live. I saw God at work within the two leaders, Melissa and Mililani. They’re so great with the kids and they treat them with love and care! All the kids were so great and everyone bonded with each other
By Bailey Koch
I had a fun time. I made lots of new friends and I met one especially nice girl named Haley. I had a very life changing experience because I learned how to serve others in a way that I am not used to. I worked with kids all week. The kids were the sweetest things ever. I really loved working with them. I worked for a program called BVM with these two girls named Melissa and Mililani. They were so nice and I enjoyed getting to know them. I loved Chicago because it was the first time I have ever been to Chicago. I would love to go back again. I love going on mission trips because I need to get a break from my parents and I feel really good when I come back home. I learned that these kids are less fortunate than I am and that made me realize that I am very lucky to be the way I am. I saw God at work many different ways on my way to Chicago, when I got to the school that I stayed at, when I met my new friend Haley, when I was working with the kids at BVM, at the beach on Lake Michigan, when we went to Millennium Park and downtown Chicago and coming home from Chicago.
By Sara Doherty
The trip to Chicago was a very good and fun learning experience. I saw God in many places including Casa Central where I worked. It was very difficult to communicate with the residence because of our language barrier, but we found a way to work through that and were happy to be together playing dominoes, coloring, doing aerobics and yoga. At the transitional housing even though the children where going through tough times they were still fun and outgoing. With the little kids at head start you never would have guessed how hare their life really was because they were playful, helpful and fun to be with. This trip was very touching to me just to see the way things are in other places of the world makes me want to do something more… but I just don’t know what.
By Kaleb Kadelbach
On our recent church mission trip to Chicago, IL, my eyes were opened by so many surprising things. Also, God was definitely at work in me during this trip in all situations.
One way God worked through me was when I played Dominoes with the elderly people at Casa Central. I don’t speak Spanish and they did so there was a language barrier right off the bat. I wasn’t having fun at first, but with the help from god I realized that them being happy because of me presence and my playing with them helped me to have fun.
Another way God was working through me was seeing so many people without homes or food and made me realized how good and easy I have it back home.
The third day of the mission work I was with kids ranging from 6-13 year olds living in transitional housing while their parent is looking for work or working. God showed me how simply playing Uno, foosball and football can make their day or week.
My favorite day of the trip was when I worked with the 3-5 year olds. God showed me how important I am to people when I don’t know them. The little children were emotionally attached to me after a few minutes.
Another way God worked through me was he helped me realized how simple jobs can make things easy for someone. An important worker at a special needs home was overjoyed when we did basic chores and it made me fee good and glad that I helped.
During the last night of our trip we had a foot washing service, it helped me understand that God is there for me and I am forgiven.
Lastly, God worked in me by teaching me with this trip. He showed me how good it feels to help people in many different ways and helped me to become a better person both spiritually and as an everyday American.
This was a great trip for me to grow as a person and realize many things and I hope to be part of another mission trip and be part of something like it here.
By Zachary Whitchurch