Five garages and the Grand Canyon – all in four days
Kelly Duncan (left) described the trip as “200 times better” than expected. “I can’t wait to do it again.”
The trip was 14 members of TWU’s Outdoor Club who headed to Phoenix, Arizona on November 10 to build five townhouse garages with Habitat for Humanity - then hiked the Grand Canyon.
They completed the Habitat project in only three days.
Working alongside the grateful families, they were able to make a positive impact on a community more than just the construction.
“There wasn’t a moment where we slacked off,” said participant Olivia Foster (right). Olivia learned to “work harder doing something for someone else.”
“I am more physically capable than I thought,” she added. Olivia commented that even though she felt unqualified at first, she gained a lot of self-confidence and faith in what God can do through her. Both Olivia and Kelly described this missions experience as “amazing” and “life changing.”
“Now I want to do every missions trip,” Olivia said. Working for Habitat for Humanity is a tangible way to make a difference, to serve with grace and humility as an example for Christ.
After completing the projects, the team hiked the Grand Canyon hike, 27 miles in 12 hours. This pushed the students even more, but brought exhilarating reward. Kelly reflected that they had to “completely surrender to God and His strength.” This experience was relationship building, as the hikers had to sustain each other through encouraging words.
Coming back to TWU, the team felt refreshed. Kelly and Olivia realized that being in a new place was eye-opening.
“When we’re in [university], we think school is the most important thing.” Getting out of the ordinary, they had a chance to live out their faith by serving others, and to see God working in their lives and the lives of those around them.
Interested in a missions opportunity? Trips happen in the fall, spring and summer ranging in projects, locations and duration. Check out Global Projects to find ways to step out in love and service. Also, find out more about the Outdoor Club here.
Story by Gwendolen Gower. Photo by Sydney Pawsey.