A quote that’s often used to describe Hope immersion trips is, “A change of place with a change of pace grants a change of perspective.” Here is how I experienced each of these changes on my spring break immersion trip this year.
A change in PLACE…
Our group’s destination for the trip was New Bern, North Carolina, where we partnered with two organizations: Michigan-based World Renew and North Carolina-based Coastal Carolina Disaster Resiliency Agency. Both of these groups focus on helping communities that have been devastated by natural disasters.
Once there, we were split into smaller teams and assigned to homes damaged by past hurricanes. Our group was mostly women, and none of us had much contracting experience. But despite that, we said “yes,” and God used our willingness to get real work done in these homes. Some of us worked on flooring, others painted ceilings, and one group took on demolition and insulation.
With a change in PACE…
Work Pace
A major change for us as students during spring break was the break from stressing about assignments and due dates. At our job sites, there were no deadlines to meet or tasks to rush through. One story that stands out to me is from the first day of work. I was assigned to a group of five—four girls and our leader, Aidan. The house we were working on had already received much attention from previous teams, and the only remaining task was finishing the flooring in a small bathroom. Despite it being the first day and all of us eager to dive into work, there wasn’t much to do.
Aidan could have easily finished the project on his own, but instead, he embraced the “change in pace” mindset. He patiently taught each of us how to measure, saw, and fit the flooring and trim, while cheering us on instead of rushing us to finish. This approach had a profound impact on me. It gave me space to reflect on the pace of my day-to-day life. In the busyness of school, I often find myself trying to complete assignments as quickly and efficiently as possible, constantly moving toward the next task. But that’s not how we are called to live. In that slower, intentional work environment, I was able to enjoy the process more, connect better with my teammates, and see the value in savoring each moment
Life Pace
Outside of work, we spent time worshipping, having nightly debrief meetings, and playing plenty of games (emphasis on Mafia!). We cooked and ate meals together, explored downtown, and even spent a day at the beach. One of my favorite memories was the night we returned from the beach. We passed around communal aloe gel, bonding over our sunburns, and shared a huge bin of puppy chow while listening to each other’s testimonies.
The testimonies often took longer than the recommended five-minute cap, but rather than rushing through, we found ourselves losing track of time, completely absorbed in each other’s stories. This was another way the change of pace challenged my usual approach to spending time with others. Back home, I tend to prioritize my own agenda, always thinking about the next thing on my schedule. But in that space, we let the Holy Spirit guide our time, allowing for a deeper connection. Sharing our testimonies strengthened our bond as a group because we each took the time to listen with intention.
This change of place and pace inevitably catalyzed our perspectives on life.
…Grants a change in PERSPECTIVE
From a communal aspect,
We began to practice the “belonging” and “authenticity” we’d been talking about cultivating in our debrief meetings. The comfortability I felt sharing my testimony–a welcoming of the tears I shed recounting hard memories from my life–carried on into the comfortability I felt the rest of the week. As I listened to my peers’ stories, I saw them in a new light too. People whom I’d made assumptions about blew my mind by sharing their life encounters with God.
From a work aspect,
This shift in place and pace shifted my mentality at the worksites throughout the week. I found myself excited to do the “repetitive” tasks I was assigned. We played worship music and made inside jokes to pass the time. We were efficient but also left room to connect with each other while we worked.
From a spiritual aspect,
I found myself thinking of the passages we read in our devotionals frequently throughout the day. The story of Zaccheus, found in Luke 19, stuck in my head specifically. We’d talked about the meaning of belonging as a group in relation to that passage, but I found myself wondering about the part where Jesus says, “I must stay at your house today.” We’d be working in houses all week, and the thought of a deeper meaning behind staying in someone’s house stood out to me. A person’s home is the most important yet vulnerable part of them. It’s where they spend the most time. So having Jesus stay in your home is like inviting him to see all parts of you. I found a strong connection from that passage to Psalm 139, when David writes, “You have searched me, Oh God.” He has searched us, but we still must invite Him into our life.
As I’ve returned to my daily place and pace of life, I hope to carry that truth with me. I must invite Jesus into my “home” on a daily-basis. My time in North Carolina was impactful, but it means nothing if I don’t continually work to change my perspective on life. If you’ve ever wondered how a trip like this could change your life, I encourage you to say ‘yes.’ The lessons you’ll learn will stay with you long after you return. Learn more about Hope Immersion Trips here!