Mission Trip to Milwaukee Wisconsin 7-28-21

Best. Week. Ever.

I went on my first Senior High Mission Trip with my church last week, and it was just breath-taking. I was with old friends, new friends, older friends who are like brothers and sisters to me, and chaperones who are like my second parents. We traveled by bus to participate in a YouthWorks program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our YouthWorks leaders were incredible, and I loved all of the work sites we went to throughout the week.

My group went to a food pantry, we served a meal at a soup kitchen, we gardened in a neighborhood, and we painted a play set. Some other groups went to a farm, tutored young kids, repaired a front porch, spent time rocking babies and taking care of seniors, and just making conversation with the people who need it most.

We had an evening activity each night. On Monday we went to an open-mic worship/prayer service. It was extremely powerful. None of us left the building without shedding at a bucket full of tears. Tuesday night we watched an interview with several local individuals about how God worked miracles in their lives. It was astounding. Wednesday we went to Lake Michigan hung out at the beach. We took lots of pictures, played Spikeball, volleyball, ate fries, onion rings, cookie dough, and custard!

Thursday evening was the special dinner and karaoke night with all our neighbors we met throughout the week, and a special worship service back at the church. The chaperones washed out feet, prayed with us, and cried with us. It was the Seniors’ final night as youth on a mission trip, and it was especially emotional for them. It was beautiful to watch and be a part of a church family that hung on to each other through thick and thin.

I had the best time on the bus rides playing Crazy 8s, UNO, jamming out to music, chatting, laughing, watching Netflix, reading, and of course sleeping! On this trip, I heard so many inspiring stories and met some pretty remarkable people. I got to see with my own eyes how God works through peoples’ lives, and I felt Him walking alongside me every second of every day. It was nothing like anything I have ever experienced. I was reminded of how lucky and fortunate I am, and that I should never take that for granted.

On our final day in Milwaukee, we spent the day exploring the city. I was definitely surprised by how much there is to do! We went to the Harley-Davidson Museum in the morning, and ate lunch at the restaurant there. It was really yummy! The restaurant had an outdoor patio with games like cornhole, life-size Connect4 and Jenga, a nice seating area, and the river walk is right across the street. We spent at least two hours just hanging out together that afternoon.

We then went to a Brewers game that evening and had a blast! My friend and I got up on the JumboTron which was pretty special. I even got to see my favorite White Sox baseball player since they were playing the Brewers! We stayed the night at a local Hampton Inn, and headed out in the morning. It was another long, but super fun bus ride home, and a spectacular welcome home!

I laughed and cried with my church family, overwhelmed by the ‘Reckless love of God’. And, I didn’t worry too much about fashion on this trip….just athletic shorts and t-shirts!

xoxo, Joanna