Village Bible Church || Aurora | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL

As I went on this mission trip, I will honestly say that I was scared out of my mind before going. The night before, I was crying and was nervous to go, but knew I had to because this is what God was calling me to do. I was scared, knowing the stereotype of the South side of Chicago. When we arrived there, you know it’s always hard to make friends when you are new but in this case, it was different. It was great! These kids were so nice, open, friendly and just fun to be around. By day 2 or 3 we were already getting hugs as we walked in the door each morning and getting out of our comfort zones. These kids were so easy to talk to and I loved having conversations with them. They were very welcoming.

On Monday evening, we had a fun time eating tacos at Major Harvey’s house and we were “kickin’ it at Pastor Vincent’s house on Tuesday evening and we had some chicken that was “FINE”” (Pastor Vincent taught me how to say that!! :D) and on the 2nd to last day of camp, I was invited to go to 6 flags with 2 of the girls and their family. (I couldn’t go because we had to leave) On Wednesday, we went to the Salvation Army’s youth group, that was really fun and really cool to see how they do things there. They had some amazing dancers and really good singers that performed. During this whole time, I learned to appreciate things at home a lot more. These kids have so much less than me and don’t have as many privileges because of their surroundings, and yet, they seem so happy and don’t think about the “big” things they may not have, but by stringing all the little things together, they really make their life full and complete.

I made lots of new friends and did not want to leave. I hope to go back really soon and visit all of them. That one week in Chicago made me some friends and memories that will last a life time. 

Rachel Galmarini