This past August, I had the opportunity to go on my first mission trip. Taylor University Women’s Soccer goes on a team mission trip every four years and have traveled to various locations in the past. Our original plan for this trip was to go to Northern Ireland. We were planning on playing soccer and reaching out to the local community. Due to the pandemic and all the uncertainties that ensued, our trip was cancelled. At first, this reality was disappointing, but I now realize that God knew from the beginning that this was the plan, and we would end up serving in New Mexico.
Going into the mission trip, none of us knew what to expect. We knew that Rehoboth Christian School was a special place and that the majority of its students were Navajo. We didn’t know the projects we would be working or how each day would be structured, which was a bit unnerving for me as a planner. Immediately upon arriving to Rehoboth, we were welcomed with open arms. All the faculty and staff that we encountered throughout the week were full of kindness and were genuinely overjoyed to have our team on their campus. Everyone took so much pride in their school and community and wanted to make it better any way that they could. After all, school was starting at the end of the week, and it needed too ready for all the kids.
The groundcrew and teachers put us to work painting speed bumps, pulling weeds, cleaning and decorating classrooms and shining up windows. The first day, I pulled weeds for five hours, which was a humbling experience. Though it was tedious, it was rewarding to see the progress at the end of that project. Every little job mattered in the grand scheme of things. Some of the staff had mentioned that this was the first time any volunteers had come to Rehoboth in almost two years. All the tasks piled up over the past few months and with their limited staff, it was impossible to accomplish it all. We were meant to be there to help them.
When the work was done, we had evenings free to explore. We hiked, learned about the Navajo Code Talkers, went to a local rodeo and watched a native dance performance. I enjoyed being immersed in a different culture than my own. One afternoon, we got to practice with the girls’ high school soccer team. I loved playing with them and hearing about their lives.
One of the coolest projects that I got to be a part of was the bike shop remodel. It was a complete transformation from a cluttered, dusty art shack to a clean, open space that will turn into a bike shop. The teachers created a mountain biking class that will be utilizing the many trails that surround the campus. If I ever go back to Rehoboth, it would be amazing to see what that art shack has become and how beloved of a space it is to the kids. The completed transformation will do so much good.
The teachers and staff of Rehoboth were filled with joy, passion, and genuine appreciation toward us. It was beautiful to witness such a strong community with their foundation firmly planted in Christ. These people truly embodied what it looks like to be like Jesus. They woke up every day and chose to work hard and sacrifice for their community, expecting nothing in return. I knew our would be able to make an impact, but I had no idea how much the people of Rehoboth would impact me. I learned how to serve without selfish gain and to love others through something as minuscule as a smile.
Written by Lauren Cina
Lauren Cina Photography & Writing 