Walther Mission Trip

Mission Trip 2007

Define Mission (mish 'en)- noun, a body of persons sent to a foreign land by a religious organization, especially a Christian organization, to provide assistance.

The mission team faced extraordinary challenges this year. Sacrificing their spring break, the largest mission team from Walther consisting of eleven students and two faculty advisors, flew into Mexico on April 9. The team spent time with young children aiding a local daycare. In the midst of serving, all of the students and teachers became ill ranging from digestive problems to dehydration to fatigue. The members fortunately regained their health. They returned collectively saying that is felt good to help others but they gained superlatively more; their faiths were strengthened beyond belief. This was evident in the chapel service the team organized on April 25.

The Mission Team Together

"We definitely got more out of the trip than we put in. When we're away from everyday concerns and peer pressure, we're much more open to God. Many of us were renewed spiritually, despite being physically exhausted."

~ Ms. Sue Costello, Walther faculty member

	Left to right Back Row: Sue Constello, Andrea Mazza, Lydia Gallop, Emma Schmidt-Scwartz, LaMarcus Grayson, Jessica Terrones, Tatiana Rose, Amanda Gehrke, Bob Koehne; Front Row: Miguel Lepe, Michael Hemmann, Daniel Rojas, and Rogelio Arreola
	The guys on the mission trip take a "macho man" picture in front of beautiful scenery in Mexico. Pictured left to right are: Michael Hemmann, Rogelio Arreola, Daniel Rojas, Miguel Lepe, and LaMarcus Grayson
	These Survivor castaway look-a-likes pose for the camera in nature surrounded by trees and other foliage. The group took some time to enjoy their environment by taking a swim and exploring the unknown.
	Relaxing in their hotel room, mission trip members Michael, Dan, Andrea, Jessica, and LaMarcus pile-up on a sleeping Rogelio.
	Jessica and Andrea pose with an evening scenery behind them in cooler evening temperatures.
	The entire mission team take time for a photo op with toys belonging to the children at the daycare they served.
	Sprite and water was all the members could get down when nearly all of them came down with digestive illnesses. During dinnner they shared in one another's pain, eating whatever they could, so as not to upset their stomachs.

Service

	Ms. Costello plays a game of "balloon toss" with one of the children at the daycare.
	Peek-a-boo!! Jessica Terrones plays a game with one of the little girls at the top of some playground equipment. This senior needs to brush up on her "scaring tactics."
	Michael Hemmann grabs five children for a quick picture before returning to the toys around them.
	This little girl is so excited to see the team, she doesn't know whether to play with balls or read books. Michael takes the time to play both.
	LaMarcus Grayson and this little boy have a special bond with their matching orange shirts and play on the slide together.

Those Served

	Books, instruments, and the alphabet are just some of the things the mission team help the kids with.
	This little boy looks anxious to go find a mission team member to play with him.
	Greeted with smiles like this one, the mission team members were eager to play with the kids everyday
	Isn't this a cute couple?
	Doesn't he just say, "Please play with me?"
	Playing outside the smile on this little boy's face is brighter than the sun.
	Catch! She is very excited to play a simple game of catch and show off her skills.

The Scenery

	In the cities it was not uncommon to see wonderful foliage and plants all over the road
	This is just one of the beautiful, historical buildings the mission team was priveleged to see. Beautiful scenery, unity, appreciative receivers, and most importantly personal growth is part of what these thirteen people gained from their trip. What more can you ask for?