SR17: One Week To Go!

Well, it is nearly that time of year again and we are very excited about that! In just over week, we will be heading off for our 2017 trips. Just like last year, we have three separate trips heading to Cambodia, the Philippines and Uganda. However, what is really exciting is that all our trips are pretty much at full capacity this year! All up, we have 39 students (including 12 from interstate), and a team of 11 leaders. So that means, after this trip, nearly 200 students will have been on a trip with us over the course of 7 years - what a blessing! 

Record numbers aside, the best part to having spent this year getting to know the students, their backgrounds and stories, and just knowing they will have a chance to learn and grow so much over the next few weeks. At our team meetings, we focus a lot on trying to shift our mindset from a 'go and help' idea, to a 'go and learn' one. It is near impossible to change things overseas in just 3 weeks, but we recognise we can change a lot in ourselves in that time, if we equip ourselves with humility and love and prepare to learn, so that is the focus for us. 

On the other, we have been working with our partners overseas and preparations have been made so that we can head over and contribute to the work they are doing. We recognise a team of 15-20 people can be a bit of a logistical nightmare for some, but also a real injection of energy and extra hands that can really help out. So thank God for organisations in the countries that we are visiting that are doing great work that we will be able to be a part of. 

We look forward to sharing our journey here and hope as you follow along or look back in the future, you are encouraged, inspired and learn something too! :) 

​Joel