In the summer of 2007 I went on one of the best trips of my life. I went with a group of four other teenagers and five adult leaders. The trip was not only a blast but it also completely changed my life forever. Hanging out with friends and building close relationships with people I didn’t really know very well along with going to places like six flags and the zoo made for an incredibly fun trip. However, what affected me the most about the trip is the service we did. We stayed at the St. Louis Dream Center and helped a hurting community all week.

Seeing the area lined with countless people who were so much less fortunate than anyone I knew changed my perspective big time. Homeless people, deathly sick people, people that had been abused, just everything imaginable was witnessed. Being able to bring them not only the message of Jesus Christ but also a huge dose of much needed hope was just amazing. Just to walk up to people and smile at them and give them a sandwich would brighten their faces like I’d never seen. Not only was it a huge blessing to the people in need, but it also changed the lives of people being used to reach them. My experience summed up into two words would simply be life changing. I’ll never forget the tons of fun I had nor will I forget the way God moved in my life for that whole week.

Parker Van Blaricom