Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) in Auburn, Wash., sent two student groups during spring break around the world to serve in Belize and the Philippines.
The first group of 30 students spent 12 days in Belize at the King’s Children’s Home to help improve the facility and build relationships with the staff and children.
“The kids inspired us with their capacity to learn so much from their limited resources,” says Lauren Richert, a junior student.
The students started the day with worship before beginning their daily assigned projects. The team poured a 10-foot by 70-foot sidewalk leading to the church, dug a 9-foot square for the church’s septic tank, collected campus trash, helped with laundry, prepped food and worked with children in the home.
“I went there feeling sorry for myself and left appreciating the many opportunities I have, and I am especially thankful for my family,” says Chelsea Rachal, a junior student.
The second group of 20 students traveled to the Philippines for two weeks helping with construction projects, making house visitations with pastors and providing medical services with the In His Service Amianan (IHSA).
Auburn students rotated through medical mission, construction projects and house visitations with pastors. The medical mission team went out to different barangays (villages) to give free medical care to local residents. Students were able to assist doctors and nurses with taking blood pressure, vitals, issuing medication and pulling teeth.
“I helped the dentists, and I really enjoyed it,” says Sooji Kim, a senior student. “Before the mission trip I never considered dentistry as a career, but now I want to go into dentistry.”
Students also had the opportunity to do a Vacation Bible School program for the kids with singing, skits and games.
“For me, the mission is our students gaining greater ministry insight and opportunities in service,” says Jay Coon, AAA vice principal for growth and development. “Connecting with another culture while experiencing medical service is life-changing.”
Sienna Hubin, Derek Slavens, Amber Pettey-Torres and Lindsey Reed, AAA media literacy class students
Auburn Adventist Academy mission groups served in Belize and the Philippines this year.
Students work to build a path.
AAA students served in the Philippines during spring break.
