The most exciting thing I have done since graduating from high school in May is to go with a team from The Fellowship on a mission trip to Colombia. When I first wanted to be a part of this opportunity, I approached it as any other mission trip – a calling to serve because I am a Christian and the Lord commanded us to share the gospel and help those in need. I was also excited since I have a Colombian background and wanted to be able to get to know the country where my dad was from.
After committing to go, at first, it was scary because I had no idea how I was going to raise $2,500 for the trip. So many friends and family members stepped up to support me to make this possible. Also, with the help of my stepdad, I was able to reach out to our church family. A large part of the funds still needed were covered by people in our congregation. They were so excited to support this mission and donated with such giving hearts -- just because of their desire to see students like me go and serve.
I was really nervous because my Spanish is not that great. I consider myself fluent but always struggle and feel inadequate whenever I am talking to a native Spanish speaker. As soon as I arrived in Colombia, a lot of those fears started to disappear. Everyone was so welcoming and patient with me, and I realized that even if my Spanish was not perfect, I could still connect with people in meaningful ways. By the end of the trip, I was translating for others and even prayed over our group in Spanish -- something I never would have imagined myself doing at the start of the week.
Being able to serve in Colombia became so much more than just another mission trip. It became a very personal experience. Knowing that I was helping people in the same community my dad came from made every conversation and every act of service feel so much more significant. It gave me a deeper appreciation for my family's story and the background that shaped so much of who I am.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was being reunited with my grandmother and uncles. Even though I had seen my uncles earlier in life when they made trips to the United States, I had not seen my grandmother since I was 10 months old! Eighteen years! It is hard to put into words what getting to know her in person meant to me. Even though so much time has passed, sharing meals and visiting with her and my uncles during free times in the evenings was so special and unforgettable. Getting to know them on a deeper level reminded me that family connections can remain strong despite distance and time apart. Hugging them, talking with them, and making new memories together was something I will never forget. It felt like a missing piece of my life has been found.
This trip strengthened my faith in ways I was not expecting. I saw God's faithfulness in every relationship that was built throughout the week, with those we ministered to as well as family. I came home with a greater love for serving others, a stronger connection to my Colombian heritage, and a heart that is even more excited to continue following wherever God calls me next.
July 26, 2026
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
