A fantastic experience helping others!

I went with an organization called International HQ, partnered with a local group and I was really impressed with how well everything was run. It’s a program that’s been around for 20 years, helping people serve in meaningful ways, and it showed. Everything was organized, intentional, and impactful. We worked at a local clinic in Antigua, building a private room for mothers to pump milk for a milk bank. It was simple work, but meaningful. There was something really fulfilling about using my hands to help build something that will directly benefit others. What stood out just as much as the work was the people. I met a lot of genuinely good people; people who didn’t just want to travel or have fun, but who also wanted to give back. It reminded me that there are others out there who care, who want to serve, who want to make a difference. Sometimes I get caught up in my own world and forget that. This trip also put a lot into perspective. I saw kids who were malnourished, kids working long hours late into the night just to help their families survive. Kids who should be playing, learning, and resting, but instead are carrying responsibilities far beyond their age. It’s hard to see, but it’s important to see. Growing up in the U.S., it’s easy to take things for granted. Trips like this remind me just how much we’ve been given. So, I’m really grateful I went. This was something I wanted to do last year, and a coworker held me accountable to it this year. I’m glad they did. This won’t be the last time I do something like this. If anything, it made me want to do more, and hopefully bring friends and family along next time. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your own perspective… is to step outside of it.