Have you ever come home from a short-term mission trip and wished you could remember everything? It’s easy to be overwhelmed from all that you see and do in just one day on a short-term mission trip. But there are ways to capture the experiences and memories for a lifetime.
Journaling about your mission trip
Journaling is a great way to capture stories and memories from each day of your trip. It is also beneficial to journal in order to see your own personal journey and remember how God used you and worked in you while on your mission trip. Here are a few tips for successful journaling:
1. Start before your trip begins. Record your expectations, your feelings, and maybe even your prayers for your upcoming trip.
2. Set aside quiet time each evening on the trip. Spend time each day writing about your feelings and the people you encountered that day. Doing this each day will help you remember names and specific stories to share when you’re home.
3. Don’t forget the fun stuff. Include any funny moments with your team or interesting interactions with the locals.
4. Include your personal spiritual journey. Reflect on where you saw God, what you’re praying about, what you saw, what you did, and what you learned about serving God that day. Record those thoughts in your journal as well.
Photographing your mission trip
Taking photos is another great way to capture memories. This way you can remember more than names—you can remember faces. And you will have great material to share with those who supported your trip when you get home.
Photos of scenery and culture are interesting, but be sure to take photos of the people you meet and interact with on your trip. Take time when you get home to go through these photos and label them with names so you don’t forget who they are and what role they played in your trip.
Also take photos with your other team members and of the work you’re doing to capture the essence of your trip in addition to the people. And don’t forget to share all of these with your team members as well as your family and friends back home!
Mission trips can be overwhelming physically, emotionally, and spiritually at times. It’s easy for your memories to get lost in all of those emotions, but taking time each day to intentionally record your memories and take photos can help you keep track of your trip when you get home.
