My name is Veranika, and I am from Southwest Missouri. I have always had a heart for service and new experiences, and this journey was a significant step in my faith and personal growth. This was my first time going with Spiritual Orphans Network (SON), and only my second time overseas. This past Summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to two different countries—Latvia and Albania—where I took part in four camps as a crafts teacher. I didn’t know anyone before going, but I saw it as a chance to meet new people and build lasting connections through fellowship.

I first learned about this trip through Sarah Lushi, and while I was excited to go, I was also a bit nervous about traveling alone without knowing anyone beforehand. However, the preparation Zoom meetings with my team helped ease my nerves and made me feel more connected before we even arrived in Europe.

Every day was filled with moments of joy, learning, and meaningful interactions with the kids and local volunteers. I constantly reminded myself to be present in the moment and embrace every experience fully.

Once we landed, time seemed to fly by. Each camp felt like it had just started, and then suddenly, we were saying our goodbyes. This trip affected me in so many ways. Before leaving, I was excited but unsure of what to expect. During the trip, I realized how important it was to be intentional with my time and relationships. The connections I made, even in such a short period, were truly life-changing. Saying goodbye to the kids and the wonderful team I worked with was one of the hardest parts of the experience. Since coming back home, I find myself missing the kids, the translators, and the local volunteers. I often think about them and pray for them, realizing how much of an impact we had on each other in just a short amount of time. It’s amazing how God can use even brief encounters to build lifelong bonds.

If you are considering going on a short-term missions trip, my advice is simple: Go all in. Say yes to the opportunity, step out of your comfort zone, and serve with all your heart. Go without expectations and allow yourself to be fully present. Every moment counts, and you never know how much of a difference even a single week can make in someone’s life. If you’re nervous about not knowing anyone, don’t worry—God has a way of bringing the right people together to accomplish His work.

One of the most impactful moments for me was meeting all the kids. Even though we only had a short time together, the bonds we formed were deeper than I ever imagined. The love, joy, and gratitude they showed us will stay with me forever. This trip was such an incredible experience that I am already planning on going again. It is a true blessing to serve with a team that works together to glorify the Lord. I encourage everyone to take the leap of faith and go on an STM trip—you won’t regret it.

If you’re contemplating a missions trip, my biggest encouragement is this: Be present, be open, and trust that God will use you in ways you never expected.