Adapt Magazine May/June 2014 by UnKonventional Media

ADAPTING YOU TO LIFE. ADAPTING YOU TO GOD

Vol. 2 Issue 2

May/June 2014

BECOME A MISSIONARY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD LEARN TO FACE YOUR PAIN

TEDASHII

TALKS ABOUT 'BELOW PARADISE' AND THE HARDEST YEAR OF HIS LIFE

THE MISSIONS & JUSTICE ISSUE

TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY ON THE MISSION FIELD

" FOR I WAS HUNGRY, AND YOU FED ME. I WAS THIRSTY, AND YOU GAVE ME A DRINK. I WAS A STRANGER, AND YOU INVITED ME INTO YOUR HOME. I WAS NAKED, AND YOU GAVE ME CLOTHING. I WAS SICK, AND YOU CARED FOR ME. I WAS IN PRISON, AND YOU VISITED ME. THEN THESE RIGHTEOUS ONES WILL REPLY, "LORD, WHEN DID WE EVER SEE YOU HUNGRY AND FEED YOU? OR THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DRINK? OR A STRANGER AND SHOW YOU HOSPITALITY? OR NAKED AND GIVE YOU CLOTHING? WHEN DID WE EVER SEE YOU SICK OR IN PRISON AND VISIT YOU?" AND THE KING WILL SAY, "I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, WHEN YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,[A] YOU WERE DOING IT TO ME!" MATTHEW 25:35-40 (NLT)

“I know a lot of people will cover up pain or mask and ignore pain because it's not them going through it, or it's not at their doorstep...I know I was guilty of that for years and, even though I may have been sympathetic and maybe even to some degree, fighting to engage it, I just tried to dismiss the reality of it and the deep pain of it all because it wasn't me going through it. “ - Tedashii

(CONTENTS) SPIRITUALITY P. 16 | Life’s Crazy Lessons

LIFESTYLE P. 20 | I am NOT Okay P. 22 | Stay Healthy and Active on the Mission Field

CAREER PREP & MONEY P. 26 | Where is Your Jerusalem?

MUSIC, JUSTICE & ETC. P. 30 | Tedashii: Rising from Below Paradise

P. 38 | America Needs Us, Too P. 40 | Ciao, Hola, Kaabo, Bonjour!

IN EVERY ISSUE • EDITOR’S LETTER • CONTRIBUTORS COVER IMAGE: REACH RECORDS/MERGE PR COVER DESIGN: UNKONVENTIONAL MEDIA, LLC

Photo: Michelle Clarkson

(EDITOR'S LETTER) Okay. Confession time.

that there were other ways to support many things happening in the United Although I have a heart for missions, I’ve missions without having to actually go. States that need just as much attention never actually gone on a mission’s trip. So instead I donated to different causes, as other countries. sponsored different friends who were This issue highlights some of the social (Pause for dramatic gasps) able to go, helped with benefit concerts justice happenings in America. If your All joking aside, it’s not like I haven’t and put together other fundraising events heart is for other nations outside the wanted to go. Who wouldn’t want the while I was in college. U.S., that’s great; please continue to go. opportunity to go abroad to the unknown parts of the world and to discover new Even though I couldn’t be in India or But if you find yourself on the other side cultures, make new friends and most Kenya or Honduras, I got to be a part of this, we pray that you get stirred up for importantly bring healing and restoration of getting someone else there and, in things happening in your city or state. effect, I was doing my part while obeying There are a lot of people experiencing through the Gospel? the Lord. pain and need “missionaries” to help I actually wanted to go to Honduras for There’s something about figuring out them experience freedom. three months after graduating from high school but that didn’t work out. I have had where you fit in this mission call. While we Tedashii also graciously shares his own countless opportunities to “go” to various are all called to spread the Gospel, not story of pain, dealing with the realities of places but things just never seemed to everyone is meant to be THE missionary life in its purest form and finding hope or to travel to every country in the world. and freedom once again in Jesus. line up. I used to feel guilty about my “lack of Sometimes going abroad isn’t even We hope you enjoy this issue! missional efforts” but then I realized necessary. Sometimes we just have to look in our own backyard. There are so

allysen

FIND MORE WAYS TO ADAPT

ADAPTMAG.COM

FEATURING...

WEEKLY BLOG POSTS EVENTS, FREE MUSIC FIND A CHURCH FEATURE+ MORE!

ALLYSEN KERR Editor/Publisher editor@adaptmag.com PAULA KERR Assistant Editor MONICA SOLOMON Contributing Writer ANTOINETTE CHARLES Contributing Writer MARGARET OLATUNBOSUN Editorial & Social Media Intern ANGELA SKAFF Editorial Intern NICOLE WALKER Editorial Intern

Adapt Magazine is published six times a year by UnKonventional Media, LLC. All questions regarding advertising, subscriptions or this publication should be directed to publisher@unkonventionalmedia.com. Please visit www.unkonventionalmedia.com to learn more about our company.

A SOCIAL CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM FOR CHRISTIAN INSPIRED PROJECTS FUNDING

ENTREPRENEURS NONPROFITS MINISTRIES FILMMAKERS MUSICIANS ARTISTS ENTERTAINERS & MORE!

FAITHLAUNCHER.COM

(CONTRIBUTORS)

Monica Solomon graduated from the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education Monica is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida with a specialization in Behavioral Health. During her year of service, Monica plans to promote workforce health promotion in Orlando and Tampa through her platform: Work, Learn, Pray.

MONICA SOLOMON

Antoinette is a hard-working young woman. This wife and student is currently pursing a degree in Education. She and her husband recently moved to Tampa where they felt God drawing them to grow the Kingdom. She has two dogs, Cocoa and Lex, who are very much like children. She enjoys serving in her church’s children’s ministry and looks forward to singing, dancing and praying with the kids each week.

ANTOINETTE CHARLES

Paula is a senior writer for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts®. Her background and experience include communications, human resources management, recruiting, benefits administration and communications, as well as training and development. In her current role, Paula develops and writes communication and education resources for Disney Destinations. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Public Relations from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. Paula has been a contributing writer for Adaot Magazine since 2009.

Paula Kerr

thefoolies.com

E N I Z A G A M T P A D A H T I W T CONNEC

@adaptmagazine

@adaptmagazine @adaptmagazine @adaptmag

WE'RE ON THE GRAM!

Spirituality

adaptmag.com 16

LIFE'S CRAZY LESSONS Angela Skaff, Editorial Intern

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” Habakkuk 2:3 NLT

ife is crazy, and just when you think things are finally going to slow down the rug is pulled out from under you. For some, summer time is a break from school and just a time to chill or work; whatever it is, stay ready.

I have been so busy trying to be here and there that my priorities have shifted. When your No. 1 priority–God-slips, becomes your second or third priority, life tends to unravel. Lately, I have been trying to take that control back from God and wanting to run own my life. Who am I to tell my maker that I want to do things my way and in my time? Which, gets one how far? ….Nowhere, to be exact, only right back where you started; provided you didn’t backslide and fall off altogether. I will say God’s grace on my life has been miraculous! This year I have transitioned into a new job while working another job, performing research, praying, writing my business plans, carrying out my ministry, and just dealing with life. But my biggest obstacle has been losing weight this year, which is a challenge God is walking me through and it’s been wonderful. When in the darkness, if you seek Him and stay with Him He will renew you. Everything comes in the seasons and timing that is perfect through Him. In the course of the first part of 2014, I lost 100 pounds by eating healthy and beginning to work out again. More than that, He has seen me through addictions, binges and given me the deliverance to overcome and light my way. This happened because of His word and my prayers being answered. Some things do not happen until God knows He can trust you with the blessing He has given you, and that you are ready to hold on and fight for what He will do for you. As I find myself turning another year older, I have been reflecting on what God has done in my life. It’s easy to look at what I think I should be doing or seeing in my life by now, but all falls into place in its time. May/June 2014

Everything you experience is not only to help you grow but will be something that will enable you to help someone else through down the road. In my addictions I have truly learned about loneliness. The rape and assault, the poverty, the homelessness and that all the other things that have happened in my life were also not in vein. God has not called us to be weak, but instead to be conquerors. Remember: your challenges are for His glory. As He brings you through, you are able to be a witness and a testimony to His goodness. Be assured that your testimony will change someone else’s life and lead them to the love of Jesus. So, while you may be in a season of darkness, solitude and maybe even a bit of uncertainty, fall into Him, go deeper than you have and strengthen that relationship so that you know that every move you make is with Him, and He will guard the gates to your heart, eyes and ears. For what you surround yourself with, you will become. If you are looking to grow in the Lord, build a business, start a family, finish school, or anything else on your list of visions, wait on Him. He knows what we need; He has specific plans and purposes for you. Dig in deep, seek Him diligently, pray always, and move in His ways. This life, with which we have been blessed to have, is truly a gift; reflect on where you have come from, where you are at, and what you want. Take that to Him and let Him lead the way to your great destiny!

FEATURE Story

LIFESTYLE

adaptmag.com

I AM NOT 'OKAY' Margaret Olatunbosun, Editorial & Social Media Intern

in the Christian community these Thedaysnewis “Itcatchphrase is well.”

shamed, we will continue to lose the “healing” war. We’ve refused to adopt new ways to dealing with pain and helping the church heal.

It is what you’re supposed to say when someone inquires about your day at work, your law suit with your former music label, your divorce proceedings, etc.

We throw bible verses at the congregation and ask why their faith is shaken. Then we question why our youths slide back into the slime that they’ve been cleansed from.

Whether it is a statement rooted in biblical sayings or a statement popularized by church culture, the phrase has become an all-purpose soothing balm for all pain, which, if you’re full of faith, is a remedy to every trial.

We’ve developed a culture so enamored with ministry that we’ve become temporarily blinded to the fact that our people need to be nursed back to health in order for us to have a ministry.

But something is wrong with this saying. It is well: a harmless and simple statement has become a shade erected by the church under which many members hide to keep up appearances of sanity or to maintain the impression of being saved. And it is killing us mentally and emotionally.

Until we redefine ministry to reflect what Jesus Christ did on earth, the church (individuals) will continue to suffer mentally and emotionally. What is well about a family that shoos its members away by preventing authenticity and creating an atmosphere of feigned holiness?

So many things go wrong in our lives, and by default we yearn for comfort, love, understanding, support.

It is not well when our brothers and sisters have to suffer in silence because only then are they seen as being right with God.

At moments like this, our vulnerability and insecurities are magnified and we turn to the one place we’ve been told is a safe haven: the church.

It is not well when we use blanket statements such as “It is well” to shirk away from our responsibilities as believers to cater to our wounded brethren.

But upon arriving at the church and pouring out our hearts, we are met with a script-like response: It is well. We start to ponder other alternatives, we measure success and failure rates of trying new things, and we chalk it up to exploring the universe.

Admitting that we are not okay is the first step to being set free. Genuine dialogue with our brethren---not just our Christian brothers and sisters is a step towards the door to discovering who we are in Christ, and what He requires of us.

Slowly but steadily, we’re losing our family members because all the church is concerned about is being well, feeling well.

The next time someone tells you about a problem he/she is going through please do yourself a favor: Please don’t say “It is well.” Ask what you can do to help.

The church is indeed a safe haven for the hurting soul, the bleeding hearts, and the weary hands; a place to find solace and renewed strength. But until we’re comfortable enough with one another to willingly share our deepest secrets without fear of being

Until we're comfortable enough with one another to willingly share our deepest secrets without fear of being shamed, we will continue to lose the 'healing' war. May/June 2014

STAY HEALTHY AND FIT ON THE MISSION FIELD Nicole Walker, Editorial Intern

It’s always exciting and frustrating to go away somewhere that is not a familiar place. Especially when you’re going on a mission trip. When the Lord is placing it in your heart for you to go and serve somewhere can be challenge, but people don’t really think being healthy and active while a mission trip in the U.S. We know that when going out of the country, we have to get shots, vaccinations or pills for different types of diseases that you might encounter and often times worry about the food and water, but why should we worry about that in the U.S.? That is a good question. Years ago, I did a summer internship called the Tampa Urban Project (TUP), weeks living in the inner city, working and volunteering with the people there. Even though I am born and raised in Tampa, I never lived in the inner city or experience life there. I moved and lived with 12 other people in a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. Everyone there were different and unique, particularly when it came to health. There were some people who wouldn’t shower for days or didn’t use deodorant. Some were very self-

conscious about what they were eating or not eating. Some had serious health issues, such as asthma or allergies. Every day was a constant struggle, not only were we tested as individuals but our faith was tested also. In the end, we were all able to make it through. When it came to going grocery shopping, we each were able to write a list of the foods that we like to eat and we made sure to always include fruit, vegetables and water. The weekends were our days off and as a house we would all go to the park with the neighborhood kids and play with them, so we all could be active. Going on mission trips are just another form of doing what God is calling us to do, and even if its somewhere in the US, you can still make sure you are being healthy and active. Here are 5 tips to help: 1. Get your immunizations. Because we are living in a world where, diseases that were once foreign to us are now starting to come here to the States, it is very helpful to get your immunizations if you haven’t had any. 2. Pack for a lack of modern facilities. You never know that the place you will

adaptmag.com 22

be traveling and spending majority of your time, might not have the personal hygiene that we use on daily basis. Remember to always have hand sanitizer, toilet tissue and/or wipes on hand, 3. Assess access to food and water. There are some places where access to clean water and food aren’t always available. When it comes to water and you aren’t sure if it’s clean or not, remember to boil the water to make sure that all the bacterial and germs are gone. Make sure to always clean your food. Meat, veggies and fruit should ALWAYS be cleaned before ingesting. 4. Have medicine or prescriptions. If you are taking prescribe medications, make sure that you bring it with you. It’s always good to have over-thecounter medicine, just in case if there is a cold going around. 5. Be active. No matter what type of trip you go on. You can always remain active and get some kind of exercise done. And it’s always easier and fun to do it with the group you came with, the kids in the neighborhood or the family that you may be staying with.

FROM SURVIVAL TO REVIVAL 2014

REVIVEREVIVE YOURYOUR FAITH SPIRIT TRANSFORM TRANSFORM FAITH AWAKEN AWAKEN YOUR YOUR SPIRIT YOURYOUR LIFE LIFE PRESENTED BY WORLD VISION FEATURED

PATSY CLAIRMONT

SHEILA WALSH

LISA HARPER

LYSA TERKEURST

CHRISTINE CAINE

ANITA RENFROE

NATALIE GRANT

AMERICA’S LEADING CHRISTIAN EVENT FOR WOMEN ORLANDO, FL | OCTOBER 10-11, 2014 AMWAY CENTER Friday 7pm – 10pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm Prices: $129 VIP • $109 • $99 • $49

1.888.49FAITH (1.888.493.2484)

WOMENOFFAITH.COM A $2 PER PERSON SERV ICE FEE WILL BE ADDED. ALL PRICE S IN US DOLL ARS AND INCLUDE APPLICABLE TA XE S. NO REFUNDS/E XCHANGE S. DATE S, LOCATION, TIME S, AND TALENT SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FROM SURVIVAL TO RE VIVAL TOUR IS A PRODUCTION OF WOMEN OF FAITH, LLC.

CAREER & MONEY

adaptmag.com 26

WHERE IS YOUR JERUSALEM? Paula Kerr, Assistant Editor

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [Acts 1:8 NIV] Did you know that you don’t have to travel to the “uttermost parts of the earth” to be a missionary? You can be a missionary right in your own backyard. When Jesus commissioned His disciples in Acts 1:8, He started with Jerusalem because Jerusalem was their hometown and they were supposed to evangelize there first.

own backyard, the State of Florida has numerous faithbased resources you can tap into to become a volunteer missionary. Here are a few websites to check out: Volunteer Match Volunteer in Gainesville

Judea was the surrounding area, Samaria was on the outskirts of town, and the “ends (uttermost parts) of the earth” were foreign countries.

Faith-based and Community-based Services

So to answer the question, “Where is your Jerusalem?” I would say right in my own backyard for not all of us are called to spread the Gospel, but those of us who are called are commissioned to minister to those in our backyard…. our own Jerusalem!

Missions trip right in your backyard

Missionary work can be a life-changing experience. It’s a great way to meet and connect with people and, now that you are out of school on summer break, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get out to your “Jerusalem” and heed the Great Commission. When you think about it, there are people today in our neighborhoods, communities, churches, and even in your own families that have yet to hear about Jesus Christ. So “Go ye…” and start changing lives, even if it’s your own life. If you want to embark on a “missions trip” right in your

May/June 2014

Compassionate Outreach Ministries - Santa Fe College in Gainesville Many volunteer organizations specialize in providing education, healthcare, housing (Habitat for Humanity), homeless services, meal distribution (i.e. Meals on Wheels), literacy, etc. Ask the LORD where He would have you volunteer and -and keep in mind that not everyone in your “Jerusalem” will come to (or want to hear about) Christ. But by helping, giving, sharing, working on building improvements, or other projects so that the local lost will see the love of Christ in you, you will have gained an entry in sharing Christ with them and ultimately, winning them into the Kingdom! So, what are you waiting for? You have been given the power, you have been given the command, now leave your dorm room, or wherever you find yourself this summer, and go find your “Jerusalem!”

MUSIC

TE DA SHII

Photo: Reach Records

RISING FROM BELOW PARADISE Allysen Kerr, Editor

Photo: Reach Records

adaptmag.com

Two weeks, 14 days, 288 hours and I’m still “On Ten” with Tedashii’s fourth studio release, ‘Below Paradise.’ This album is his best yet. The production work awesome, the music, uncanny but what’s got me hooked is the message behind the lyrics. The story behind it is what makes this album what it is: real, raw, refreshing. A little over a year ago tragedy struck Tedashii and his family when they lost their son. This loss changed him forever. “I experienced grief and sorrow to the depth of my soul. The veil was lifted, the smoke cleared and all I had was pain,” Tedashii said in a press release. Below Paradise is a testament to what happened over that last year. Tedashii took some time out before the album release to share his story with us. ADAPT: Tell us about ‘Below Paradise’? TEDASHII: Below Paradise is my fourth studio album. It’s an album that is for some long overdue, and for some the first introduction to me, and so I’m excited about it. It is an album that basically journals or chronicles the last year of my life; everything that I went through. The whole thing...for me honestly was to be able to present people with a reality check of the world we live in. I was basically trying to communicate that we live in a harsh world with a loving God, and that those two have to be reconciled in some ways in the life of a believer...and in the life of people in general, and it’s difficult to do so without proper Biblical world view and understanding. And to me the first step to that understanding is awareness...an honest awareness of the very place we live in. ADAPT: How was the process for this album different than prior albums? TEDASHII: This album was different because with most albums, I’ve tried to take a truth, a doctrine of some sort...a principle, and shed light fully on that principle. This one; however, is really, honestly a survey of a life and nothing more. It’s filled with Biblical worldviews and Bible...just because of who I am as a person, but ultimately it’s a survey of life and the true reality of the world we live in. So, very different approach, very different sound and, obviously content…It’s a very honest and transparent album. ADAPT: When did you know you were ready to share this story? I started working on another album probably July of last year. And, initially I tried to write songs that would fit a mood. So, I wanted to write a song that [could] be for a party, or for graduation, or for something celebratory. I just wanted to make that album that sounded exciting and fun...something that’s emotional and engages the listener from a place of...hip hop and enjoyment. And after probably four songs, I just felt like I was lying in a kind of way, I just felt like I can’t do this I just have to do what’s burdening my heart, and what was burdening my heart was just what I was dealing with as a person...as a

May/June 2014

believer, and I tried my best to avoid and kind of not talk about it but I just couldn’t do it -- I just had to deal with it. ADAPT: So, in essence this album is probably more so...a testimony...it’s an outlet for you to relieve and have release from a lot of the things that happened last year, too, huh? TEDASHII: Right. Definitely a testimony, definitely a way of release and then more so it’s a way for me to kind of challenge people to gain an awareness or an understanding of the world we live in. I really wanted to at least get people to begin to admit and think through the world that they see around them. I know a lot of people will cover up pain or mask and ignore pain because it’s not them going through it, or it’s not at their doorstep...I know I was guilty of that for years and, even though I may have been sympathetic and maybe even to some degree, fighting to engage it, I just tried to dismiss the reality of it and the deep pain of it all because it wasn’t me going through it. And so this album is kind of a call to say, ‘Hey, we all go through this.’ ADAPT: What are some of your favorite tracks on the album? TEDASHII: One of my favorite tracks on the album is a track titled Complicated, because I’ve tried to be as honest as I could be with the fact that this is really, really hard. I have a lot of unanswered questions; those questions tend to be followed by me trying to answer them myself and that

IF I AM SAD AND I CALL OUT TO GOD, EVEN THOUGH GOD CAN REMOVE THE SADNESS, IF HE DOES NOT, FOR THAT PARTICULAR MOMENT, REMOVE THE SADNESS HE DOESN'T REMOVE HIMSELF...

I HAVE A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS; THOSE QUESTIONS TEND TO BE FOLLOWED BY ME TRYING TO ANSWER THEM MYSELF AND THAT LEADS ME TO A BUNCH OF 'WHAT-IFS' AND 'MAYBES' AND 'I DON'T KNOWS' -- AND THOSE THINGS HONESTLY KIND OF LEFT ME FEELING CHEATED OR SLIGHTED...A LITTLE FRUSTRATED, AND I TRY TO AT LEAST GIVE ROOM FOR THAT TO BE IN A PERSON'S LIFE WHILE ALSO COMING TO THE PLACE THAT I MAY NOT EVER GET AN ANSWER. leads me to a bunch of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘maybes’ and ‘I don’t knows’ -- and those things honestly kind of left me feeling cheated or slighted...a little frustrated, and I try to at least give room for that to be in a person’s life while also coming to the place that I may not ever get an answer.

‘Cause, I think that the thing people are prone to do.

I think I might have to be okay with that.

They wanna show up, fix it for you and if they can’t fix it then they kinda go, ‘I’m gonna leave it alone.’ Usually, not always...and this is no indictment to anyone, but how we as people are...usually if we can’t fix it we tend to become hands-off, then we’re less vocal and we’re less present.

ADAPT: What are you looking forward to the most in this next chapter?

But the Lord is lovingly there with you in it, even if He chooses not to remove it.

TEDASHII: I am looking forward to being able to honestly see what the Lord will do with the message of this album.

And so, Paul with the thorn in his side, whatever that is...a thorn in his flesh...that thing was never removed...the Lord has never removed either. So, it’s kind of been that type of year, the last year.

I didn’t sugarcoat anything...but I’ve tried my best to be as honest and transparent and upfront as I could be with everything.

It’s just been a “you’re here and you’re present. I’m more aware of that than I was last year, though you have yet to remove a lot of the sadness.”

Each song speaks to the emotional state and mental of where I was throughout the course of last year. ADAPT: How have you and your family adapted since losing your son? TEDASHII: We are currently in counseling...in Biblical counseling. We are both surrounded by people who love us...godly men and women; our pastor on down to just members of the body who have been monumental in their efforts to love us; give us sound truth, correct us lovingly and in some way, be present without always having to be a ‘fixer’. I think that was something that was huge. If I am sad and I call out to God, even though God can remove the sadness, if He does not, for that particular moment, remove the sadness He doesn’t remove Himself.

Follow Tedashii on...

Below Paradise, released on May 27, is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and more.

adaptmag.com

CHARLES G.

LET THE PEN SPEAK

NOISETRADE.COM/CHARLESG

DOWNLOAD NOW

justice

EVERY YEAR AT LEAST 15,000 PEOPLE ARE TRAFFICKED INTO THE U.S.

AMERICA NEEDS US, TOO

NEARLY 45 MILLION PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN POVERTY IN OUR NATION MORE THAN 400,000 CHILDREN DON'T HAVE A PERMANENT HOME IN THE U.S.

PROSTITUTION BEGINS AS YOUNG AS AGE 13 IN THE UNITED STATES

IN 2011 ALONE, MORE THAN 1 MILLION ABORTIONS TOOK PLACE

AMERICA IS HOME TO MORE THAN 120,000 ORPHANS

CIAO, HOLA, KAABO, BONJOUR! Monica Solomon, Contributing Writer

So you think you want to go on a mission trip ehh? Well, you have come to the right place!

country. Seriously, don’t let the first time you say ‘Hola’ be when you introduce yourself to your host family…can someone say, ‘awkardddd?’

First things first. Preparing for a mission a trip is not the same as choosing your next Groupon staycation.

3. Shots/Immunizations- Make sure you make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) and inform them that you are planning to travel for an international mission trip.

In my opinion, mission trips provide some of the most life changing experiences a college student could ever have. Mission trips not only provide a wonderful opportunity to serve others; they often challenge your perceptions, stereotypes, and comfort level. Whether you’re travelling on a mission trip next week or considering travelling in a couple of years, take a look at nine tips below that will help make your mission trip memorable, safe, healthy, and rewarding:

Ask your PCP about immunization/shots and considerations.

4. Mosquito Bed Nets - See tip #1. 5. Friends, buddies, bffs - After the trip, take some time to spend with your support system.

1. Bring lots of bug spray - Let’s just say mosquitos don’t play overseas. These are not your friendly Florida flyingaround-a-campfire-on-a-hot-summer night mosquitos. I honestly believe international Mosquitos are on another level. Don’t say, I didn’t warn you.

Feel free to share your experiences and lean on your friends, family -- and church family for support as you transition back to your daily routine after you’ve returned home. 6. Sunscreen - Mission trips are often both spiritually and physically demanding.

2. Learn the basic conversational phrases of your host

adaptmag.com

their recommendations for other international medical

Bring plenty of sunscreen with you in case you are out in the sun longer than you are accustomed to…besides, ‘farmer’s tan lines are the worst. 7. Prayer - Please be prayerful before, during, and after your mission trip. Pray for the people and community that you have the honor of serving, others travelling with you on your mission trip, your mission trip leaders, and for overall safety and protection. 8. Water bottle - Consider bringing one or two empty water bottles along. Mission trips provide a glimpse into the harsh realities and widespread issues of food scarcity, sanitation and hygiene-related problems, and access to clean water that many people face on a daily basis. According to World Health Organization and UNICEF, approximately 780 million people worldwide, do not have access to an improved water source. Bringing your own water supply may help keep you dehydrated in areas in the world where access to clean water is limited. Don’t forget the bottle! 9. Journal - On your mission trip you are going to experience new things, meet interesting people, cry, laugh, smile, eat new foods, spread love, and meet the most adorable children.

For all that, you will need a place to document these valuable memories. P.S. Using your cool, fancy smartphone every two minutes to capture a selfie on your mission trip may not be appropriate; use discretion and some cultural sensitivity. #ijs Disclaimer: All jokes and stories about scary mosquitos aside, not all mission trips are the same. Take some time to research the culture, customs, historical milestones, taboos, and traditions of the country you are visiting. Above all, remember the golden rule: treat people how you want them to treat you. Orevwa! Reference: World Health Organization and UNICEF. Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation: 2012 Update. United States: WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation; 2012.

THE GOSPEL THROUGH H IP-HOP

T E N . E R U T L U C HOLY @HBCREATIVE