January 2020 Team Trip

Reflections on yet again another amazing trip

By: Sloane Vander Zwaag, Director of Communications

This trip was from January 16 - January 26, 2020. 11 days may seem like a long time, but once you take the two days of travel into account and all of the things you plan to get accomplish during this time in Ghana— 11 days is definitely not enough.

We spent the first 6 days in Asikuma, Ghana at one of our mission centers. We arrived there late on Friday night so we didn’t get to see the children at the center until Saturday morning. We spent these 6 days loving on the children, doing afternoon bible study, adventuring around Asikuma, riding motos (motorcycles/bikes) every chance we got, took the kids to the pool, went to church, got baptized and watched baptisms, handed out donations, and watched the kids participate in school. We definitely packed a lot into the first portion of the trip.

The last 3 days we spent in Cape Coast, Ghana. It takes a 6 hour bus ride to get from Asikuma to Cape Coast. Once we arrived in Cape Coast, it was later in the day on Thursday. We enjoyed time at the beach, dinner at the Oasis, and watched some of the guys play basketball. We spent Friday loving on the children at our Cape Coast center and adventured around Cape Coast. These last three days definitely went by quickly which made for a sad departure back to the United States.

Jaecee and Jennifer

“Pinpointing one specific moment throughout my experiences in Ghana is onerous; every moment had a significant impact on my life. Regardless, one word stands out the most from my trips: love. The people of Ghana - specifically Asikuma, welcomed us with open arms. The children at the center and school have the most endearing smiles, and beautiful hearts. Their constant hugs and perpetual love will forever resonate with me.” - Jaecee Hall

Sloane getting baptized

“This trip was monumental for my walk with the Lord. There were so many moments I felt Him changing my heart which made it hard to pinpoint one specific moment. But I’d have to say the most memorable moment on this trip was getting baptized and having the opportunity to accept Christ as my Savior in a place where I truly found my faith. This baptism was such a special moment, in a place that means so much to me, and with the people I love so much. I’m thankful I was given this moment to remember forever” - Sloane Vander Zwaag

My biggest piece of advice is, if you ever feel an urge to go on a mission trip— GO! You never know what will come from it and what the Lord has planned for you through these trips. My first trip completely changed my walk in faith and each trip I am changed and shaped more for the Glory of God.