I am helping chaperone a mission trip to New Orleans two weeks after I get back to America. It’s insane that I am even old enough to say that I am a chaperone on a trip. With that being said, this is a letter to those youth that I am leading, so here we go.
Dear Catholic Youth of Sumter,
I don’t really know any of you. I was at away at college for 4 years, I was home for the summer after graduating, and then I left for the World Race. I have not been in America for eleven months but soon I will be back, and I will be leading and working beside you on a mission trip to New Orleans. I have probably seen your faces in church once or twice when I was home, but the chances of me having had a conversation with any of you is very slim. I haven’t seen Father Tony since I was in 3rd grade, and I have had a few conversations with Mr. Frank. Other than that, I am going into this trip kind of blind. But that is all a part of this adventure, right?
I feel that I need to be honest. I am very nervous about this trip. I don’t really know a whole lot about the other chaperones, most of which are your parents or are parents themselves, so there is an age gap. Then there is you guys who are a little younger than I am, with yet another age gap. I feel like I am the person that is filling in for the youth my age right now, and that is somewhat scary for me. I don’t feel old enough to be able to do this, but then again after an experience like the World Race, I hope I can take on and lead you on this trip.
But don’t worry, my excitement far exceeds my anxiety! I am so excited to learn about each and every one of you! I want to know about your families, your school, your hobbies, your future and your dreams, as well as your relationship with the Lord. I can’t wait to hear about everything you have to tell me!
The last eleven months have been pretty extreme for me. I have been living in poor countries, living on $5 a day for food and lodging, doing at least 5 hours of ministry a day, and many other things. I think I have a lot of insight to share about the World. My squad on the World Race also sees me as “the life of the party”, so I promise I am a fun girl. I enjoy games and songs, dancing and laughing. All these things! I am a chaperone for your trip but I also want to be your friend.
I remember what it’s like to be in high school…and also middle school. That was a while ago, but I still remember it. I know the awkward stages and it wasn’t too long ago that I was excited for summer vacation. Feel free to ask me about anything and I will answer honestly. I will share my stories from those times – good or bad. I will tell you about the things I learned most in those years of my life. I am pretty much an open book when it comes to those experiences, especially after sharing my testimony and so many stories of my life this past year.
When I was your age, I didn’t go on too many mission trips. Truthfully, God wasn’t at the top of my list of priorities. Playing sports, and hanging out with my friends and my boyfriend took up most of my time, so you are already one step ahead of me with your relationship with God. You are choosing to go on this trip and serve the Lord and serve others that may not be as fortunate as you, but you are also serving America and bringing Jesus wherever you go.
I just have some small tips and advice based off of what I have learned over the past year of living out of a one backpack.
Even though you are just going out of the State, going to New Orleans is like going to another country. You won’t know anyone other than the people you are on the trip with you. That can be intimidating, but just remember you are there to share God’s love.
When it comes to packing, don’t overthink it. Bring what you wear on a daily basis. You are going to be most comfortable in that. There is no need to go out and buy new clothes (unless your shorts are not long enough, then maybe you should), but also, there is no need to over pack. It is okay to wear your clothes more than one time. Bring 2 shirts to get dirty and work in. There is no need to bring a different shirt to work in everyday, you are just going to get all of them dirty and smelly, so just bring two shirts to use (less laundry to wash later!). No one will judge you, also there is no one to impress. Ladies, the boys don’t care what you wear. Boys, you usually already smell anyway… just kidding, but truly you’re not there to impress each other, you’re there to serve others. You also have the added bonus of being able to hop in the shower when you get back and put on some clean clothes. So pack light and don’t worry about others. Also, chances are if you forget something someone else will have it, and you can borrow theirs. DO bring enough underwear for all the days though, that is a MUST!
I also want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone while you are there. I know you have grown up hearing “Don’t talk to strangers” but strangers need Jesus too. On the World Race we tell people to talk to strangers about Jesus. Maybe have a conversation with one of the people in the homeless shelter we are staying at, maybe talk to the construction workers we will be working with, anyone! God wants you to talk to everyone about Him. “Holla at ya girl” if you want to do this one day but maybe you aren’t sure how to do this or don’t want to do it alone, I have had plenty of experience with this. It might be WAY out of your comfort zone but I promise it can be such a rewarding moment!
My last piece of advice would be to disconnect. I remember when I was your age and someone told me that I couldn’t have my phone for a week, I huffed and puffed. I must admit those weeks I could not have my phone, I felt much better. It was nice not keeping up with all the drama that life can sometimes bring on. I know that you will have your phones for meal times and at night, but try to avoid using it all the time when you have it. You might find that it is nice to be present. You get to really take in the life that is happening around you. It’s an opportunity to have conversations with those around you, conversations that might not happen when you are busy with your phone. Maybe set some time aside or set boundaries that you only use your phone in the evening before bed, or in the mornings. I promise you, your parents, friends, and life will still be going on and will be waiting for you when you return. They will still love you just the same. This will also give them time to miss you while you’re away!
I hope you find some of this helpful for the trip. I am excited to get to know all of you and continue to serve the world around me. I am just a regular girl that love being a dog’s mom, going out and having fun, and enjoying life to the fullest. I have just had the opportunity to travel the World a little bit. Oh, and please don’t call me ma’am, I’m only 23.
Love your excited and anxious chaperone,
Molly
Also, if you have other questions, want more individual packing tips, or want to get to know me a little more before I get home, please feel free to ask my parents for my phone number or email me!
