Elsa Lieb, Missionary

Saints John & Paul,

Words cannot describe the amount of love, wisdom, and hope I felt when going on the Urban Mission Trip. I felt more loved than I have felt probably since the last mission trip I went on, I learned more than I have learned in my entire lifetime, and the hope that was set before me provided overwhelming peace in my life. Going into this trip, I was not ready. I had been busy the week before and it came so fast I just wasn’t ready. Halfway into the trip, I still wasn’t ready. Leaders would ask me the question “why did you come on this trip” and I honestly didn’t know the answer. But now, after the trip, I’ve found the answer to all of those questions and also have experienced things greater than this world has to offer.

One of my biggest fears going on a trip is forgetting something. Whether its my toothbrush, clothes, or even an extra pair of socks, I always have this fear I will forget  something. I realized on this trip, I had forgotten to bring Jesus. My relationship with him had faded and I completely forgot to bring him back into my life. But, not only did I find him on this trip, I encountered him and found his love. His love is not just a fake love, but a real love and a love that will forever remain with me.

On this trip, I also found wisdom, wisdom beyond anything anyone in this world could ever explain. I found new ways to look at things and certain situations. People tend to have this mindset where what they think is right, and sometimes it can be hard to open up to what the truth is. I was one of those people going into the trip, but returning from it I would say that I have become more open and willing to except things whether its my way or not. The people we served made me realize that we don’t teach them nearly as much as they teach us. All we need to do is be open to what they have to say to us.

There were many times on the trip where I felt despair and sadness for the people we were with. It was very hard to see people this close to home, living how they do. I thought this trip would be kinda like a “breather” compared to Honduras, but if anything it was just as bad. We don’t always realize how awful our world can treat people, but there is hope. These people are strong, intelligent, beautiful, kind, and filled with the love of God. They strive to do better and no matter how hard their circumstance is, they keep moving. I am honored to have met some of the people I met on this trip. They showed me how to live to the fullest and when life goes downhill, keep climbing until you reach the top.

Overall, I had so much fun and enjoyed every moment of the trip. I met so many people on the trip and people we served too. Each person I met touched my life and helped me to become a better person. I’m so grateful for all of the chaperones and missionaries too. No mission trip is the same and that’s why I love going on them. You learn new things, meet new people, and have fun on each and every one. God leads us on many different paths, don’t always take the easiest one because you’ll never know what the challenging one will have in store for you.

God Bless,
—Elsa Lieb, Missionary