Grateful for Bonds That Matter: Lessons on Relationships from a Mission Trip
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a mission trip with my local church—a trip that I had been wanting to do for a couple of years. This year, everything seemed to align perfectly for me to go. Each year, Capital City Christian Church organizes a seven-day mission trip to Acuña, Mexico, to build a home for a local family. I knew from the start that it wouldn’t be easy work, but the experience promised to be life-changing.
The journey alone was no small feat. From Missouri, we drove with 11 people in a 15 passenger bus 12 hours on the first day, stopped for the night, and then finished the final four hours the next morning. On the way back, we made the full 16-hour trek in one stretch. It was exhausting, and uncomfortable, but after is was over every mile was worth it.
As I prepared for the trip, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity for my 14-year-old son, Carson, to join me. I wanted him to experience a different culture, gain a deeper appreciation for the things we often take for granted at home, and learn the value of hard work. Of course, I knew bringing a teenager on a mission trip wouldn’t be easy—especially one that involved long hours of labor. But I believed it would be worth it in the long run.
At the last minute, my dad decided to join us, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. Not only did I have extra help in keeping Carson motivated (this kid could play catch for hours and forget the task at hand), but it also gave the three of us—my dad, Carson, and me—a unique opportunity to spend meaningful time together.
The Theme That Kept Coming Up: Relationships
From the very first day of the trip, a theme emerged that I couldn’t ignore. Those who had been on this mission trip before kept sharing stories about the relationships they’d built over the years—with the families whose homes they’d constructed, the locals in the community, and even each other.
Every evening, we gathered as a group to reflect on our day. We shared highs and lows, and every night, without fail, at least two or three people expressed gratitude for a relationship they’d built or deepened that day. At first, I thought it was just a nice sentiment, but as the week went on, I started to see what they meant.
There were so many moments that highlighted the beauty of connection:
Meeting homeowners from previous years who proudly showed us the improvements they’d made to the homes we had built together.
Being welcomed into the local church community with open arms—and enjoying some of the best homemade Mexican food I’ve ever tasted.
Visiting the children at the orphanage, who lit up with joy when we arrived.
Watching the relationship grow with the family we were building the current house for, as they joined in the work and shared their gratitude by teaching us to make homemade tortillas and entertaining us with music.
At the time, I was so focused on the task at hand—building a house—that I didn’t fully appreciate the depth of what was happening. But by the time we were driving home, it hit me: this trip wasn’t just about giving a family a home. It was about creating, nurturing, and valuing relationships.
Gratitude for the Relationships in My Life
This realization made me think about the relationships in my own life. I thought about my dad and how grateful I was to share this experience with him and Carson. I thought about the relationships I’d built within our mission group, with people I might not have otherwise gotten to know. And I thought about the new bonds we’d formed with the family we served and the church community that welcomed us.
Relationships are the thread that weaves meaning into our lives. They are what sustain us, inspire us, and remind us of what truly matters. This Thanksgiving season, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the people in my life—from long-standing friendships and family ties to the new connections that continue to grow.
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the relationships in your life. Think about the people who have shaped your journey, the ones who lift you up, and even the new connections waiting to be nurtured. After all, when everything else fades, our relationships are what remain.
So, from our families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday season be filled with love, connection, and gratitude for the people who make life meaningful. 🧡
