The day I heard I had been chosen as one of three high-schoolers accepted to go on a mission trip to Honduras, I was thrilled! I had applied and interviewed to be a part of this dental/medical mission trip, and had been awaiting the decision. Nervous and excited at the same time, I knew this experience would be like no other. I could not have imagined the extent to which this would be true as it proved to be one of the single greatest experiences of my life.

            Once accepted I was to serve as an interpreter, a servant, and a friend to the Hondurans. The day we arrived, I knew that this was an experience that God had planned for me. As we drew near to the makeshift dental hospital to set up, there was already a huge crowd and their faces lit up as we arrived. The warm heart of the Hondurans made me feel at home immediately, and their hospitable natures made adapting and learning about their culture a wonderful experience. I was particularly delighted to be able to serve as an interpreter because I was able to interact and have amazingly enriching conversations with many different people, especially the children.

            During the week, as we worked with the Hondurans to meet their dental needs. I remember distinctly when an older Honduran woman embraced me. She thanked us for her brand new teeth and showed off her beautiful smile to all those around her. It was one of the most memorable moments on the trip. Another beautiful young girl was crushed when we had to take out three of her teeth; however I consoled her after and when I told her she would be getting teeth to replace those she had lost, her smile could not have been bigger.

            Another highlight of the trip occurred on the last day when I came back from being out in the field with my team and I saw my fellow missionary, Jessica, holding a newborn baby that was literally dying of starvation. We took baby Tabitha, and her mother, to the nearest children’s hospital and pitched in our money to help save her.  The hospitals were not the most reliable, but a member of our team knew a pediatric doctor that worked there. The doctor promised to do everything he could for the baby, and he did. We got word back four months later that the child survived. I remember praising God for the work he had done for this child.

            This trip was a truly deep and rewarding experience. I will always fondly remember the Hondurans, and though I may not have changed the world, I am confident that I affected their lives in ways I probably cannot fathom. I have always had a strong desire to give back to those in need and to work with other cultures because I believe these kinds of experiences are the essence of life!