Called to Serve

A high school senior’s journey to Jamaica — and the lessons that followed her home. 

When Mia boarded a plane for Jamaica in March 2025, she was a high school senior standing on the edge of graduation — and the unknowns that come with it. 

College decisions. Big life questions. Future plans. 

She traveled with Asbury Church to Trelawny, Jamaica, joining a group of high school students, college leaders, and adults. The purpose was simple: serve, love well, and point people to Jesus. 

But what unfolded would shape her long after she returned home. 

Mornings in the Classroom 

Each day began with a bus ride to local schools serving children from toddlers through sixth grade. 

Early in the week, Mia worked in a toddler and primary classroom. She led Bible stories, sang worship songs, and helped with games. 

And yes — flexibility was required. 

“Since young kids can be pretty hyper,” she laughed, “we really just tried to love on all the kids and make them feel very special.” 

Later in the week, she transitioned into a third-grade classroom. The questions became deeper. The conversations more personal. 

Different room. Same purpose. 

Building relationships. Showing up consistently. Reflecting God’s love through kindness. 

Concrete, Buckets & a Sunset 

Afternoons were dedicated to construction projects. Mia’s team helped pave a parking lot for a local church — something that would make it easier for people to attend services. 

Concrete was mixed by hand. Passed bucket by bucket. 

Under the guidance of local leaders, Mia learned how to level and finish cement — not exactly a skill listed on her senior-year résumé. 

On the final day, determined to finish, the team stayed until nearly 9 p.m. 

“When we finished, there was the most beautiful sunset,” she said. “We just stood there looking at the parking lot we had paved.” 

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t glamorous. 

But it mattered. 

The Goodbyes That Stay With You 

The relationships left the deepest mark. 

In her third-grade classroom, the goodbye was emotional. 

“They asked if I was coming back,” she said. “A lot of them ran up and gave me the biggest hugs.” 

Earlier in the week, the students had decorated name tags. One little girl handed Mia hers and said, “I want you to have this so you never forget me.” 

Soon the whole class followed. 

Mia still keeps those colorful name tags. 

A Full-Circle Moment 

One of the most meaningful reunions was with David, a Jamaican leader with Praying Pelican Missions. 

Mia had met him the year before on her first trip. 

“As soon as I got through customs and saw him, he yelled my name,” she said. “That moment meant so much to me.” 

Before she left, David handed her a handwritten note. He reflected on the growth he had seen between her first and second trips — her confidence, her courage, her willingness to love boldly. 

“He told me he really saw the Lord move through me,” she shared. “That card will stick with me forever.” 

The Journey That Followed Her Home 

Now a college student, Mia looks back on Jamaica as a turning point. 

“It changed my mindset,” she said. “No matter what I do in the future, I always want to serve the Lord and serve others.” 

The trip ended. 

But the calling didn’t. 

Some journeys don’t stop when you return home. They reshape how you walk forward. 

💬 Team Huddle 

One thing to carry with you: 
Some journeys don’t end at the airport — they follow you home. 

Talk About It: 
What part of your trip experience do you hope carries into the next season of your life?