SERVE eportfolio 

During the summer going into my senior year I decided to go on a mission trip. The last time I had gone on a mission trip was when I was going into 8th grade, so it had been a while. I wanted to do something important with my summer instead of doing the usual activities like sleeping a lot, watching too much TV, and hanging out with friends. While all these can be good, in moderation, I realized that I should be using my time for a greater purpose. Going on the mission trip was a great idea as all the volunteers already had something in common: our faith.

Our trip was to Memphis, Tennessee. I had never been to Tennessee and whenever I thought about the the state rock and roll, Elvis Presley, and country music. I had only known about the glamorous parts of Memphis, not ready for what I was about to witness. As soon as we drove into the town we would be staying in I noticed the poverty. What I saw was not what I expected: numerous homeless people on the streets, houses falling apart, and overall dangerous area. Our group had stayed with a local church within this town. We were able to spread our faith and also help the citizens of the community at the same time.

Our main mission was to build a fence and deck for this family that was deeply involved with the church. The parents were youth pastors at the church and devoted much of their time and heart to the kids and community. The youth group would meet at this small house within this dangerous area, but the house was not big enough to hold all the kids. We built this deck and fence to create a safe area where the youth group could meet. There was waves different groups that had been helping out all summer, so by the time we got there some of the project was already done. We picked up where they had left off, and the group after us would do the same.

During our stay there was also a church picnic in which we played with some children in the community. There was one man who arrived with his 8 kids. He had told us about the death of his wife and raising his children with his low income. I remember thinking how hard that must be for him, but he surprised me with his happy attitude. He was so full of love for his family and community that I was in awe.

Other Questions

I definitely see the benefits of doing community work, whether the work benefits other people or myself. We helped people who really needed and wanted our help. The work also benefited myself as I learned more about others and myself. Our religion definitely influenced everyone as we had those values and beliefs. We showed our values through our caring attitudes and willingness to help each other. But at the same time I could see that as a group and individuals that we got caught up in the idea that we were amazing in helping these people. When we just talked to the people of the community I could just see how these conversations had brought happiness to everyone. Sometimes making a difference doesn't require money or extravagant projects, but just some time and heart, to show that we care. Not only were my religious values expressed through my work, but my values about helping others and showing compassion. My parents had always taught me to show love to everyone and put others before myself.  Because of my service-learning, I am more understanding of the people who are being helped. I learned not just to judge places or people based on what I see or hear from the media or by their conditions. Though the people there were struggling, there was more to them than just the negatives. They had family, friends, and community.I am more conscious of my attitude towards the people we hear about, not quick to pity them, but understanding. Another satisfying part of the trip was when I was able to use my strengths. I liked this project as I had always liked to build and watched HGTV shows all the time. Before the trip I actually had built a bookcase for my room with my dad.