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The Impact We Can Make

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By Aiden Jeong

Over spring break, students will go on impact trips to various places to serve, learn from, and engage with people of diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These trips provided students with opportunities to make a difference while deepening their understanding of the world.

The first Student went to Indonesia, Yogyakarta. During that time the Group stayed at an orphanage run by a Korean missionary couple. This trip was a collaboration with OBAS. In the orphanage, the kids learn crucial knowledge and skill through homeschooling and outside institutions, which were less like a school and more like a tutoring place.

Throughout their stay, students planned activities such as music, writing/grammar, and games. These activities were rotated so all the children had the chance to experience each one. At night, the boys were all sleeping in one room with some Indonesian kids. The girls got their own room with an aircon.

The group also enjoyed fun outings like camping, hiking, visiting a waterpark, and participating in sports. They even held a talent show where students and the kids could show off their special skills. Through these activities the students were able to see how close-knit, supportive, and wonderful this community was. Students also shared their personal testimonies of their relationship with God.

Juan Moon (12) reflected on the trip: “Impact trips will have moments where it is tiring and hard but, in the end, it will be the most meaningful experience and memory of the whole year.”

Another group of students traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they worked with the organization OM to help less privileged children. The group spent time with homeschooled Chinese children, singing songs, performing skits, and teaching English in the mornings.

In the afternoons, they toured local villages and participated in activities like making crafts, teaching basic hygiene (such as brushing teeth and washing hands), and worshiping together. The experience allowed students to better understand the struggles of others and serve communities in need.

Stephen Branum (12) shared some of his thoughts: “This impact trip to Cambogia it gave me another chance to see the reality of other people are living in and showed me how some people struggle to get basic needs, so serving to people and kids was a great reminder for me that I am very blessed and I need to be going out of my way to help others who are less privileged.”

“I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking about an impact trip, to go ahead and pursue going on one as not only does it benefit and grow you personally but you’re also able to get closer with God and give you the opportunity to serve people who would appreciate it all at.”

Both trips provided students with valuable experiences, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the global community. As they returned home, they carried with them unforgettable memories of service, growth, and connection.

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