Molly Haslag and the 2012 Memphis Mission Trip

Molly Haslag, Helias Catholic High School, Class of 2013

On the way home from the Memphis mission trip this past Sunday, several of my classmates and I chose to go to Popeye’s for lunch. While there, a few workers noticed our St. Jude Marathon shirts and asked if that’s why we had been in Memphis. As we told them we were on the way home from a mission trip, we received some strange looks. After explaining that mission trips involve us traveling to areas in need to help out the people who live there, I realized that mission trips serve a much greater purpose than just helping out. It’s difficult to understand if you’ve never participated in one, but now after completing my second trip, I feel as if I have learned their true purpose.

Tutoring at St. Patrick

            While reaching out to those in need doesn’t completely sum up a mission trip, it does play a large role. The first two days in Memphis, my classmates and I worked at several different Catholic grade schools located in some of the poorer areas of the city. I was assigned to the kindergarten class at St. Patrick’s School. The students there were the most well-behaved five year olds I have ever met and were so excited to have us visit. At first, I didn’t see how counting to twenty and reading stories to the class helped anyone. It hit me on the second day when I was working specifically with Jordan Cooper to help him memorize which letter was which. It was when he got this huge smile and for the first time correctly identified the letter “I.” That was the moment I knew I had really impacted a child’s life in some small way. I was amazed at how those kids could love me so unconditionally after just two days. I will always remember how grateful they were to be able to attend school, to have food to eat, and to have someone there to love them back. I was truly humbled and so grateful myself for all the wonderful things I have in life.

Working Aid Station @ mile 25 of the marathon

            Another way we reached out was at the St. Jude Marathon on Saturday. This was definitely my favorite part of the entire trip and a day I will never forget. Handing out water cups from eight in the morning until past three in the afternoon didn’t sound too great at first, but as soon as I got to mile marker twenty-five, I could actually see why we were there. We were standing only a few blocks away from the actual hospital and it struck me that we were there for every kid inside so that hopefully one day they can be cancer free. By the time the runners got to where I was, they were dead tired. We cheered them on as we gave them water and encouraged them to keep going. I was astonished when so many of them stopped to personally thank us and tell us how much our being there meant to them. Me? I was only handing out water and these people are running 26.2 miles! The people I met that day are the true heroes and I was honored to just be a part of the cause. The children of St. Jude will forever be in my prayers and I hope one day to go back to the marathon and see them running and saying that they survived.

            Along with helping others, you strengthen your relationships with others on mission trips. I had never met some of the people I went to Memphis with. I can now say that I have so many new friends and have reconnected with some old ones. We all share a special bond of working together to achieve what we set out to do. You also strengthen your relationship with God. On mission trips, students hold prayer services every night and we pray together throughout the day. Being away from all the stress and schedules of everyday life allows you to really connect with God and think about how you can continue to become a better person. During mission trips you find God in all that you do. I saw Him in every kid in my kindergarten class, in every runner and supporter at the marathon, and in every one of my peers working along beside me. Now that I am home, I still feel that strong bond with Him and will work to grow closer to Him still.

Aid Station @ mile 6 of the marathon

            Most importantly, mission trips can change your life when you open yourself up to the opportunity. Before going on my first mission trip to Joplin last year, I wasn’t the best person I could be. I realized after how self absorbed I was and how I wasn’t putting God first in my life. After seeing the people whose homes were destroyed by the tornado, I saw how lucky I am. They didn’t care about their possessions or their money. These individuals were so happy just to be alive and to have their families with them. Their faith in God was so strong and they encouraged me to put my trust in Him as well. In Memphis, I saw the same kind of individuals: people with almost nothing but still such happiness and hope for the future because they believe God watching over them. After seeing all this, I now know God is with me. He will give me strength when I face obstacles and will never leave me. I do believe I am a better person now than I was then and I still look for ways to improve myself.

Bus Ride to Memphis

            Even though I am a senior this year and won’t have the chance to go on anymore Helias mission trips, I do wish to continue doing mission work in my future. Wherever my life leads me, the things I have learned on these trips will forever be in my heart and will give me strength for the road ahead. I thank Mr. Aur and Helias for giving me these first opportunities and opening my eyes to all that I can do for others. God bless all mission trippers and their chaperones and live Jesus in our hearts forever. Amen!