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"I would go back tomorrow!"

Students who served in Jamaica for Mini-Term grew their faith—and their friendships

Casey Harper made some new friends during her Mini-Term experience in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Traveling to serve in another country is almost always an eye-opening experience, and the group of 18 students from Dock that traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica for Mini-Term in October was no exception.

The group traveled with an organization called Bold Hope, based in Doylestown, and served at an orphanage where they played with toddlers and held and fed infants. The group also served at a home for the disabled, where they visited, sang, and danced with residents, and helped staff with chores. The group also helped build an addition on a man’s home so that he could keep his children (they had been removed from the home because its condition was deemed unsafe). The group also played with children each afternoon at a local boys and girls club.

“The students did a great job serving. By the end of the trip they had really grown, both as a group and spiritually,” said faculty advisor and chaperone Mrs. Kellena Smith. “This trip was worth every hour of prayer and prep work I put into it. As is often the case with what we do for God, He took what I had to offer and used it for His Glory. I am ready to go next year!”

Sophomore Abby Smith said much the same thing. “One thing I learned from this trip is how awesome God is and how He works in insane ways,” she said.

Taking a break from the hard work of painting and home remodeling in Jamaica are Dock students (l to r) Kate Landis, Lydia King, Rebecca Crissman, and Isa Rodriguez.

“This trip gave me more than I could ever give. I would go back tomorrow.”

Other students had similar impressions of the experience.

“Something that surprised me on this trip was how much my heart was changed. I now have a huge longing to help others.” — Casey Harper, junior

“I have grown to know myself and my classmates better. I have seen sides of them that I would never have seen at school. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and learned that I can do things I didn’t think I could.” — Katherine Wenzel, sophomore

Dock students (l to r) June Park, Jake Derstine, Katherine Wenzel, and Songheon Kang have some fun with their new Jamaican friends.

Ken Kabakjian

“I was able to see some of my flaws and what I needed to do to change them. I was truly touched by everything that happened on this trip. I learned not to take things for granted, to be thankful, and that being kind and welcoming to people means a lot.” — Megan Wenzel, Freshman

“I learned a lot about God and how faithful He is. I also saw how He can move in people and change lives.” — Isa Rodriguez, junior

“It was so perfect. I loved everyone in our group. They are all loving people, have faith on God, and respect others. To be honest, my family is not Christian. I trust God but my faith was not really deep. After this trip, I feel like God is really close to us and is always loving us, always guiding us, always with us.” — June Park, sophomore

Lydia King helps a friend get creative.

“I had my eyes opened to another culture on this trip. I have grown spiritually and emotionally.” — Lydia King, junior

“One of the best things this week was when I saw the smiles of the children. The whole time, the smiles never left their faces.” — Songheon Kang, junior

“I learned to not let the little things in life bother me. This trip was truly life-changing.” — Isabella Benner, junior

Alyssa Hartley (center) and Delaney Frankenfield with some of the new friends they made in Jamaica.