Meet Laurel!
Hey y’all! I’m from Pascagoula, Mississippi where I attend community college. I wasn’t originally planning to come on this trip—in fact, I thought I was going to Peru. But I kept praying, and even though I wasn’t sure yet, I kept rereading the trip descriptions. My eyes kept going back to this one. I took it as a sign and chose it. It felt right, and I’m glad I listened.
Coming into the trip, I prepared my heart to be uncomfortable. I knew it would stretch me, and it has—but in the best way. The whole experience has changed my perspective way more than I ever thought it would. I knew it would shift something in me, but I didn’t realize how much I’d walk away wanting to do more missions.
When I need to unwind after a long day, I usually just put my headphones in and listen to Petra. And if I can get my hands on a fully melted Cadbury Oreo bar, even better—you gotta go all in on the full Filipino experience. As for local food, I’ve really enjoyed pancit. It’s just good.
One passage that’s carried me through this trip is Isaiah 42. It talks about strength and being a servant—that’s really what I’m here to do. When I get annoyed or discouraged, I remind myself that God is in control. That verse helps keep me humble and focused on who I’m serving and why.
Please pray for our safety, physical protection, unity for our team, and that the hearts of the people we encounter will be open to what the Lord wants to do.