WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Over the years we have run various trips to different locations. We have been to:
  • Cambodia
  • India & Sri Lanka
  • The Philippines
  • Solomon Islands
  • Uganda
Each year we talk to our local partners to determine the need and availability for a potential trip. 

CURRENT TRIPS

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Cambodia
Starting in Phnom Penh, we take a couple days to learn about the history of Cambodia, including the atrocities that occurred under the Khmer regime. While here, we spend time with Morijana, who run a fashion business and programs in the local slums.

​Moving away from the big city, we head to Battambang to work with the YWAM base there. The trip concludes in Siem Reap, visiting Angkor Wat and debriefing before heading home. 
Morijana
An ethical fashion business, working to develop, mentor and empower Cambodian women to realise their full potential.

Our Morijana women receive ongoing leadership mentoring, training in design and all aspects of sewing as well as health education and childcare.

​We partner with women in vulnerable situations in slum communities to empower them and their children.
​YWAM Battambang
Youth With A Mission is an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM, their purpose is simply to know God and to make Him known.

While being around the base and joining in life there, we also get involved with some of their outreach programs: 
  • Youth Development Centre is dedicated to teaching English, life skills, and good character to equip Cambodian students for a better future.
  • Jeevit's House supports children in need through aid and a child sponsorship program.
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Uganda​
Based in Jinja, around 3 hours drive from the capital of Kampala, we partner with HopeBuilders Uganda. We spend two and a half weeks here, immersing ourselves in the African culture and getting involved with many of the local projects. 

Our debrief takes us to Kenya, where we head on safari for an amazing experience as we transition home. 
HopeBuilders Uganda
Build hope and provide a future for at risk and vulnerable orphans so that they can grow up to be a generation that will change their culture.

Projects include:
  • Village of Hope: A collection of homes for orphans and widows. The Village includes 14 homes which house up to 8 children and a house mother.
  • Home of Hope: A community-based organisation that takes care of children with multiple disabilities, through the provision of their basic needs, mental development and support. 
  • Youth Support Uganda: Working to support and empower disadvantaged youth, through the use of creative education programs, business training and recreational activities targeting social justice issues.

WHAT DOES A TRIP LOOK LIKE?

PREPARATION

​We believe part of making sure we are helpful overseas is making sure you are prepared for what we experience and how we work together. So we have five team meetings throughout the year. One in February and then every school holidays, with a final one in November just before we leave. These meetings focus on cultural awareness and team building.

​We also organise for you to catch up with one of our leaders one-on-one, which is a chance for us to get to know you more and for you to get a better idea of what is happening. You will meet with the same leader once on your trip and once when you get back as well!

LAUNCH DAY

A special day to kick-off our trips, where we get our whole team together to reinforce everything we've learnt in our team meetings. Year 12 is a crazy year and exam time can be particularly busy, so this is a great chance to focus ourselves before leaving. It is always a lot of fun and also really helpful for our interstate students to meet the rest of the team before travelling. 

This is also where you say good-bye to your parents. They will drop you off here, we can then spend a bit of time all together, going through some final details and praying together before some emotional farewells. 

TRAVEL

From Launch Day we head to the airport all together and head to our various destinations. The flights are usually late at night, but that doesn't stop the binging of movies! During a short stopover in Singapore or Dubai, there is just enough time to explore the airports before our final leg.

ORIENTATION

After arriving, our first couple days are intentionally fairly slow-paced. It is important to get a grasp of your new surroundings and begin to understand the country you are in. In some cases, there are trips to museums and memorial sites. Others will be invited into a special space of storytelling. Either way, you will get a vital glimpse into the history and culture.

Our partners overseas will also introduce themselves and their projects, sharing their story and explaining how we are going to be involved. They also cover some important cultural advice, as well as emergency procedures and everything we need to know while we working with them.

IMMERSION

Like a good English essay, as good as the introduction and conclusion might be, the main body is where all the magic happens. We have about two weeks to really dive in. Whether it is connecting with local people, doing some hands-on work, being exposed to areas of neglect or injustice and the work our partners do, or exploring the local town and tourist attractions, there is plenty happening. 

On top of all that, being a part of team means there is always something to do. This can range from just hanging out, to hearing someone's life story, to celebrating birthdays, reflecting together, or having a day of rest. While it can be challenging, being part of a team is super rewarding. As they say, team work makes the dream work!

DEBRIEF

Finally, all our trips finish by heading to a resort for debrief. This is like our transition period as we prepare to return home, which can often have an effect of reverse-culture-shock.

On debrief we spend time reflecting on what we've learnt and how we can live differently back home. It is fun and exciting time as well, as we explore some of the tourist attractions in the area and enjoy our last few days together. 

HOME

From debrief we travel home, your parents meet you at the airport. We organise a catchup in February as a reunion and debrief, and you will have one more meeting with your leader.

 This is really where the fun begins. We really hope our trips impact your day-to-day life back in Australia. We hope you will share your stories, advocate for change in the issues you were confronted with and continue supporting some of our partners. Above all, we hope your faith is ignited and fuelled, and that you will be the change you wish to see in the world. 
 "Myself personally was very affected by a little boy named Eric, who held my hand and pulled me along as we repeatedly raced down the waterslides and ran back up to the start as fast as he could, leaving me soon straggling behind trying to keep up."

- Student (Philippines 2015)
"Today a feeding program had been scheduled for us; we were to visit a local slum to provide them with some well-deserved munchies and treats… The kids’ big brown eyes were entranced upon our presence & if you looked close enough you could see the sparkle in their eyes."

- Student  (Philippines 2015)
"We were welcomed to Uganda by the gush of heat we felt as we hopped off the plane & made our way through customs. When we arrived, we were able to make our way over to the Village of Hope. We were greeted with a beautiful, loud and happy welcome by the children."

-Student (Uganda 2014)