This year at Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) in Auburn, Washington, we were truly blessed to be able go the King’s Children’s Home in Belmopan, Belize.
Stepping off the plane in Belize, none of us realized how much this trip would change our lives. Being surrounded by a group of happy, joyful children for 10 days was so inspiring. Although many of the children have come from broken and abusive homes, they were still positive and faithful to the God who takes care of them. They truly look up to Him as their Daddy.
“I realized how privileged I am in my life,” says Tony Chirachevin, AAA senior from Thailand. “These kids have next to nothing, and they are still content with life. I learned to be thankful for what I have.”
The children trust God with so much, from problems at school to where their next meal is going to come from. The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:3–5 that we should have the faith of a child. Everyone who is involved at this children's home is truly living with the faith of a child.
Many who were on the trip would say that the most inspirational time was with the children at their evening worship. The children sang with such enthusiasm and passion that many of our team members were brought to tears. Raquel Landaverde, AAA junior, says, “I learned from the children that we need to worship God with all our heart and soul. Half-hearted worships are pathetic and lame.”
Although we did many things, the most rewarding part was helping out around the Home. We helped with building a fence, preparing food, doing laundry, taking care of the children in the nursery and homework when the older children got home from school. Through all these things, we truly saw God at work.
“I saw God everywhere I turned — in nature, in all the awesome kids I met, and especially in their caretaker, Mama Leonie,” says Samantha Jackson, AAA junior. “I now know that helping others brings you true happiness.”
When asked what the most difficult part of the trip was, most students said that the hardest part was leaving the children. Many tears were shed as we said our goodbyes and got on the plane. Greg Epperson, AAA junior, stepped onto the plane barefoot because he thought that the children needed his shoes more than he did. It is encouraging to know that even though we may never see the children again in this life, we will see them in heaven.
Building a fence was one project the students worked on during their time in Belize.
Strong students with great attitudes help children in Belize.
AAA students and parent volunteers helped with kitchen duty.
AAA students enjoy zip-lining through the trees.
AAA students, staff and community members embark on a mission trip to Belize.
Paris Altman, AAA junior, enjoying an adventure activity in Belize.
AAA students, staff and community members on a mission trip to Belize.
Participating in the AAA mission trip to Belize brought smiles to our student's faces.
Enjoying a break after a long, hot day of mission work.
Building a fence was one project the students worked on during their time in Belize.
Working together to get the job done for the orphanage in Belize.
AAA students learned some new skills while helping with projects in Belize.
Students met new friends ... of the bug variety.
Building a fence was one project the students worked on during their time in Belize.
Mission trips can be full of surprises!
