24-year-old Alex Schultz from Lutherville, Md. is one of the missionaries heading for Banica, Dominican Republic on July 24. It’s not only his first time on a mission trip, but also his first time out of the United States. Let’s see Alex’s thoughts before embarking on this new experience.
Today I am finishing up my packing for Banica, Dominican Republic. I have never been on a mission trip before and this will also be my first trip outside of the U.S. I am really excited. I have wanted to go outside of the country before I was even a teenager. I think a mission trip is a great “first time” outside of the U.S. I have come to learn how to pack efficiently, so that is not much of a strain on me. I am more worried about getting bitten by a wild animal. I hear a lot about the wild dogs they have there. I am a big dog lover so it will be hard for me to refrain from petting them; unless they have really large, sharp teeth and are foaming at the mouth.
I really love building things. I am looking forward to using tools and being an efficient constructor with the (mission) team. I have taken part in building various construction projects and love fixing things, including cars. My biggest concern has been the language barrier. I have been trying to learn Spanish lately but I am nowhere close to being literate in it. However, there are others on the mission that know Spanish and can help me along with an English-Spanish dictionary.
I really like the idea of having no cell phones or computers around; just the mission team, me, the beautiful landscape, and God. Something that I have come to learn is that no matter where you are God can make you feel at home. Giving yourself to him and trusting him helps you see everything in a whole new light. Looking for purpose in your life makes you feel like you’re always on a mission and helps you appreciate the simpler things in life (at least to me it does).
Right now I have butterflies in my stomach. I see this as a great opportunity to spread the love of God to others. I really like the idea of taking my passion for Christ to another part of the world. I will have an opportunity to show others how far God’s love stretches across the world.
- Alex Schultz
