Rush Creek has taken me on many adventures, many of which were fueled by missions trips. I have been on three missions trips: Chicago, IL, Navajo Nation, AZ, and Costa Rica. There are no words to describe the feeling of growth, joy, peace, and unity that arose from such adventures and time in God’s word. One of my favorite experiences was being able to worship with attendees of the GBF church in Costa Rica. Seeing others from across the world worship with songs I knew, but in a different language brought God out of this town in Michigan and into a real world picture. God is so much bigger than I was able to comprehend. I am so grateful for the way these trips have challenged me, pushed me to grow in my walk with the Lord, and brought me my closest friends. I would not be where I am in my faith, I would not be an intern at Rush Creek, and I would not have found such joy if not for these mission trips, and for that I am so blessed.

I went on a missions trip to Wisconsin, Milwaukee. It was a very impactful trip and a very big changing point in my life and if I had to I wouldn’t change a thing from it. Before the trip, I had a lot of struggles, one of them being suicidal depression, but during that time I prayed and prayed for two weeks straight for God to help me and get rid of the pain and at the end of those two weeks my mom told me I was going on a missions trip to Wisconsin like all moms do LOL. And during that trip, I made really great new friends (Grace), began to strengthen current ones (Noah and Mason), found someone I became very fond of (you already know who) and caught up on a past relationship who became my mentor (Ben). And through these relationships, I was surrounded by great Godly examples who really pushed me towards growing in my relationship with God. Once I gave my life to God my whole life began to change for the better. And that missions trip was the start of it. And ever since that point, I have been pursuing God, and I still am doing my best to make him my number one.

Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened”- inspirational dove chocolates we ate in Costa Rica (courtesy of Sarah). Right now I’m definitely feeling the first. Thank you guys for the memories and for making the trip amazing, and thank you Jesus for the opportunity to serve and grow as a team. I miss Costa Rica, but my real missions field is my everyday life. Thank you to the awesome leaders that helped me to realize that.”