One Collective 5/15/25 One Collective 5/15/25

Loving Like Jesus: Ministry Lessons from Cowley

From Iowa to Oxford: How stepping into the unknown deepened Brayden’s faith and revealed new ways to serve with purpose and in the ways of Jesus.

Episode 21 | 12 Minutes | May 15, 2025

In this episode, Brayden Dirks, a Northwestern College student, shares his experience serving at The Jungle in Cowley, Oxford. From tea time with locals to conversations with recovering addicts, Brayden reflects on what it means to love others like Jesus—through presence, patience, and genuine relationship.

🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

Brayden Dirks shares about his first overseas service trip to Cowley, Oxford through Northwestern’s Spring Service Partnership.
He describes volunteering at The Jungle, a community space focused on relational ministry over religious messaging.
The team conducted community surveys to help locals discover their gifts and how they can support each other.
Brayden reflects on the power of presence-based ministry and the importance of meeting people where they are.
He offers advice for students considering service trips, emphasizing flexibility, openness, and trusting God to move.

Brayden Dirks is a junior at Northwestern College majoring in Biblical and Theological Studies. Originally from Marcus, Iowa, Brayden is passionate about church ministry and hopes to become a pastor. His recent service trip to Cowley, Oxford deepened his understanding of relational ministry and the power of loving others through everyday presence.
Brenna Carson: Hi Brayden. Thanks for being here today. It's nice to meet you.
Brayden Dirks: Nice to meet you too.
Brenna Carson: Brayden, could you start off by introducing yourself to us a little bit?
Brayden Dirks: Yeah. So my name is Brayden Dirks. I'm a junior at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. I'm from Marcus, Iowa, a small town nearby. I study Biblical and Theological Studies, and I'm hoping to become a pastor or do something in church ministry someday. I'm really passionate about God's Word. This past spring, I had the opportunity to serve in the Cowley Oxford area at the Jungle.
Brenna Carson: That was the spring break service partnership trip, right? Was this your first time doing something like that, or have you done other trips before?
Brayden Dirks: Last year, I went to Denver and worked with a lot of homeless ministries. We kind of jumped around between different ones. But this trip to Cowley was my first time doing something overseas—actually, my first time out of the country.
Brenna Carson: Okay.
Brayden Dirks: It was definitely eye-opening. I'm hoping to do something again next spring.
Brenna Carson: That's awesome. How was your time in Cowley? I imagine it was very different from your experience in Denver. What were some of the biggest differences you noticed?
Brayden Dirks: Yeah, going in, I didn’t really know what to expect. The UK is more similar to America than some other countries, but there were still differences. Some were lighthearted—everything is really small! I'm 6'1", and nothing there seemed made for someone my height.
Another difference was how England felt a bit behind technologically, but at the same time, they’re very relational in their way of living. America can be really consumer-focused, but in Cowley, once you get to know someone, it’s a really warm environment. It reminded me of the Midwest in some ways, but it felt more genuine and present—like people really focused on the person in front of them.
Brenna Carson: That's really cool. It's great that you could glean those insights even after just a week. So, you mentioned you were involved with the Jungle—one of our primary ministries in Cowley. Tell us more about what you did during that week.
Brayden Dirks: Yeah, let’s see. The first day was more of an introduction. We toured the Jungle and learned about what they do. Then over the next few days, we volunteered during their open hours—usually from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We helped with tea time, where around 25–30 people, mostly 70 and older, would come in. We also helped with story time for parents and young children, which was really fun.
Our main task was administering surveys that Phil and Lola from the Jungle had created. These surveys asked people about their gifts, how they saw themselves contributing to the community, what they appreciated about the Jungle, and what they felt were the community’s greatest needs.
It was all part of helping the community understand how they could support one another. There's a lot of low self-esteem in the area due to poverty, addiction, and other challenges.
So, it was really meaningful to help people recognize their gifts and how they could be used by God.
We also volunteered in other ways—spent time with guys from a nearby drug addiction rehab center. We played ping pong, pool, just hung out with them.
Me and the two other guys on the trip went to a men's prayer gathering that Friday morning, and that was a powerful experience—seeing what God was doing in people’s lives despite their difficult pasts. Overall, it was an incredible experience that taught me a lot.
Brenna Carson: It sounds like it. As someone interested in church ministry and relational, teaching-oriented roles, do you think your experience in Cowley will influence how you approach ministry in the future?
Brayden Dirks: Definitely. One of the biggest things I’ve been reflecting on is how incarnational the Jungle’s ministry is. It’s really down-to-earth and meets people where they are—just like how Jesus came to sit with sinners and tax collectors.
One of the Jungle's rules is "no politics, no religion." At first, that raised some questions for me. But Phil explained it so well—they just want people to come in and be loved. They don’t force the Bible or Jesus on anyone. They simply show love as Jesus would and build relationships over time.
Eventually, they invite spiritual conversations in, through actions, Scripture, and prayer. For many people there, it might be their first exposure to church or faith.
For me, it was a powerful lesson. It’s easy to love those who are already familiar with the Bible or have grown up in church. But it’s harder—and so important—to love those who know little or nothing about Jesus. This trip showed me how to do that well: just love them and show them Jesus through your actions. Discipleship is really just doing life with people.
Brenna Carson: That’s really cool. I appreciate your insight. You’re right—creating a space where people feel safe to explore the Bible or their relationship with Jesus is so important. It’s amazing that you got to see that in action and take something valuable away from it.
For someone who’s thinking about doing a similar trip—whether overseas or here in the States—but feels unsure about their role or what to expect, what advice would you give them?
Brayden Dirks: Yeah, going in, I really didn’t know what to expect. We hadn’t heard much about what the Jungle was doing, and some of the plans were kind of loose.
I’d say the biggest thing is: don’t underestimate what God can do in a short amount of time. And also, don’t go in with too many expectations. Naturally, we’ll have some, but it’s better to be open.
I remember arriving at the Jungle expecting a big downtown community center. Instead, it was a little shop in a rundown mall covered in Jungle-themed decorations. I looked at one of my friends and said, “This is not what I expected,” and he said the same.
So yeah—expect the unexpected. Be flexible. Trust that God will work however He wants to work, even if you feel unprepared. I certainly did—but God still moved in incredible ways.
Brenna Carson: Thank you, Brayden, for sharing your experience, your insights, and some of the wisdom you gained through this trip. We appreciate you taking the time to tell your story, and we’re excited to see where God leads you after Northwestern. Thanks again—it was great to meet you.
Brayden Dirks: Yes, thank you.
‍

One Collective 5/2/25 One Collective 5/2/25

Short-Term Trip, Long-Term Vision: Serving with One Collective in the UK

In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Abby Noonan, a college student from Iowa, to talk about her unexpected journey to Oxford, England on a spring break service trip with One Collective. Abby shares how a simple reference form led her to an eye-opening experience in relational ministry, the power of cross-cultural community, and what it means to trust God with both the big and small moments of service.

Episode 20 | 18 Minutes | May 2, 2025

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In this Episode:

Abby Noonan shares how she unexpectedly joined a spring break service trip to Cowley, Oxford through a friend’s reference request.
She reflects on the difference between domestic and international missions—and the unique value of relational ministry.
Abby describes conducting community surveys at “the Jungle” and how those conversations revealed the impact of One Collective’s local work.
She talks about how the team's deep reliance on prayer and God’s guidance shaped her view of ministry and leadership.
The episode explores how cross-cultural experiences can deepen faith, shift perspectives, and inspire everyday spiritual growth.

Abby Noonan is a fifth-year biology and secondary education student at Northwestern College in Iowa. Originally from Des Moines, she’s passionate about relational ministry, community-building, and education. Abby has participated in several service trips through her college, and most recently traveled to Cowley, Oxford, on a spring break partnership trip with One Collective. Her heart for intentional connection, prayerful leadership, and cross-cultural learning continues to shape her journey as she prepares to step into her role as an eighth-grade science teacher.
Brenna Carson: Hi Abby. How are you?
Abby Noonan: I'm good. How are you?
Brenna Carson: I am good. Thanks for being here. It's great to meet you.
Abby Noonan: Yeah, it's a pleasure.
Brenna Carson: Abby, can you start by introducing yourself a little bit?
Abby Noonan: Yeah. My name's Abby Noonan. I'm from Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States, and I go to Northwestern College in northwest Iowa, a small town. I’m a fifth-year student studying biology and secondary education. I already have a job lined up—I’ll be an eighth-grade science teacher at a school in Des Moines.
Brenna Carson: Congrats!
Abby Noonan: Thank you.
Brenna Carson: So, Abby, how did you end up on this most recent spring break trip? You went to the UK, right?
Abby Noonan: Yep. Northwestern offers spring service partnerships during our break, and we had a connection to Cowley in Oxford, England. Some of our peers have gone there on summer trips through the school. I’d been on domestic trips before, but one of my friends was applying for this specific trip and used me as a reference. As I was filling it out, I thought, “This place sounds really cool. Why not apply myself?” I ended up getting on the trip—it really felt like a sweet gift to be able to go.
Brenna Carson: That’s such a cool story. Was this your first international service trip?
Abby Noonan: Yep, first one through the school. I went to Honduras in high school with my home church, but this was my first international trip in college.
Brenna Carson: Tell us about your experience. How did it differ from the domestic trips or what you expected?
Abby Noonan: I didn’t fully know what to expect. You can only learn so much about an organization online. We had a Zoom call with the team in Cowley to get more of a feel for what One Collective is doing at the Jungle. I realized it would be more relational—our goal was to partner with them and help conduct a community survey to evaluate how well they're serving the area. That kind of work is very different from the more hands-on, manual labor tasks of other trips. It was such a great experience to be part of something relational and holistic, even though we didn’t produce something tangible. It made me really grateful for the opportunity.
Brenna Carson: What were some of the logistics like on the ground? What did those surveys involve?
Abby Noonan: At the Jungle, they have story time in the mornings for kids under four and their caregivers—tea, toys, and a relaxed environment. Some of us made tea and coffee and just chatted with parents and caretakers. In the afternoons, there was tea time for elderly community members, so we’d sit and talk with them too. During those times, some of us were on “survey duty,” walking up with a computer and asking questions. Staff would introduce us, then we’d ask things like: What are your strengths? What are the needs in the community? How can you contribute? What's a time the Jungle made you smile? Recording those stories and experiences was really powerful—hearing how the Jungle is impacting lives.
Brenna Carson: That’s really cool. It definitely sounds different from more traditional spring break service trips, but equally meaningful. Did you experience God in a new or surprising way while you were there?
Abby Noonan: Yes. It was so encouraging to be reminded of how God works through all kinds of ministry. I’ve often wrestled with the value of short-term missions, but Northwestern does a good job of emphasizing that we’re partnering with long-term workers. We’re not the solution—we're there to support. Even though our role felt small, hearing from the staff how encouraged they were made a big impact. I remember one staff member saying, “You already got 20 interviews today—we thought we’d get 20 all week!” For them, that would’ve taken so much longer. By the end of the week, I think we completed nearly 60 surveys. It was such a clear reminder that even small acts can be used by God to make a big difference.
Brenna Carson: That’s amazing. Now that it’s been a few weeks since returning, are there lessons that have stayed with you?
Abby Noonan: Definitely. One of the biggest things was witnessing how surrendered and prayerful the Jungle staff were. Every morning started with worship and prayer—it was all centered on Christ. Their ministry is so relational, and it reminded me how easy it is to rely on my own plans instead of God's. I’ve been an RA at school, so I live alongside other women and try to build community, but I’ve often tried to do it my way. This trip reminded me of the importance of prayer, surrender, and trusting God’s timing. Now, as I look ahead to teaching and being in different communities, I want to take that same posture—prayerfully and humbly stepping into relationships and being open to God’s leading.
Brenna Carson: That’s a beautiful reflection—thank you. Last question: What would you say as an encouragement or challenge to someone considering a cross-cultural spring break service trip?
Abby Noonan: First of all, I’d say: do it! It’s incredible to see God working in another part of the world. It hit me deeply—realizing the same God I worship in Iowa is the same God being worshipped in the UK. It’s such a big-picture moment, seeing how God is Lord of all nations, yet still so personal. You don’t get that same perspective going to the next town or state over. Stepping into a different culture with an open mind is powerful. Different doesn’t mean better or worse—it just shows the beauty of the global body of Christ. There’s so much to learn, and it helps expand your worldview in meaningful ways.
Brenna Carson: Yes, I love that. And if you're asked to be a reference for someone going on a trip—and it sparks something in you—follow that prompting. Thank you, Abby. Thank you for your wisdom and for sharing your story. On behalf of One Collective, we’re so thankful for your participation and for your heart for relational ministry. We really appreciate it.
‍

One Collective 5/2/25 One Collective 5/2/25

Living out the Gospel in Oxford: A Conversation with Travis

In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Travis Sweeney, a college student from Northwestern College, to talk about his recent spring break service trip to Oxford, UK. Travis shares how serving at The Jungle, a community center and art space, opened his eyes to a new way of doing ministry—one rooted in relationships, creativity, and quiet transformation. From art classes to men's prayer, hear how God moved through everyday moments and how Travis is carrying those lessons into his life back on campus.

Episode 19 | 12 Minutes | May 2, 2025

In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Travis Sweeney, a college student from Northwestern College, to talk about his recent spring break service trip to Oxford, UK. Travis shares how serving at The Jungle, a community center and art space, opened his eyes to a new way of doing ministry—one rooted in relationships, creativity, and quiet transformation. From art classes to men's prayer, hear how God moved through everyday moments and how Travis is carrying those lessons into his life back on campus.

🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

Travis shares about his experience serving at The Jungle, a community center and art gallery in Oxford, UK, focused on relational ministry.
The team engaged in a variety of community activities, including art classes, children’s story time, men’s prayer, and community surveys.
Travis reflects on the holistic, action-based approach to ministry, and how showing Christ's love through service made a lasting impact.
Powerful stories of transformation, including individuals in the community experiencing life change through Jesus, deeply influenced Travis’s faith.
Travis talks about how the trip is shaping his leadership as an RA, and his growing interest in possibly returning to serve with One Collective.

Travis Sweeney is a student at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where he studies ecology and plays on the men’s soccer team. Passionate about nature and community, Travis is exploring career paths in wildlife biology or botany. He recently participated in a spring break service partnership trip to Oxford, UK, where he served at The Jungle, a local community center and art gallery. Through that experience, he discovered a deeper understanding of relational ministry and the transformative power of showing Christ’s love through action. Travis is stepping into a leadership role as a resident assistant (RA) on campus and is considering future opportunities to serve with One Collective.
Brenna Carson: Hi Travis, how's it going?
Travis Sweeney: Good! How are you?
Brenna Carson: Good, thanks for being here today. I'm excited to hear more.
Travis Sweeney: Of course.
Brenna Carson: Yeah—what you have to share about your recent short-term team experience with us. Could you start off by introducing yourself a little bit?
Travis Sweeney: Yeah, so I’m Travis Sweeney. I go to Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. It’s a small Christian school. I'm studying ecology right now—looking to maybe be a wildlife biologist or botanist in the future. I play soccer here as well, and that’s about it.
Brenna Carson: Nice. And over spring break, you went to the UK with us, right?
Travis Sweeney: Yes.
Brenna Carson: Tell us a little more about what you did. Were you a part of specific projects or doing different things each day?
Travis Sweeney: Yeah, we were with The Jungle, which is your partnership with Phil and Lola. It’s a community center and art gallery with Micah, who handles the art. They host multiple events throughout the week—like story time for parents and kids, "Time for Tea" for older adults, and men’s prayer on Friday mornings.
Art Gym was another activity, where people gathered to create art while Micah guided them through exercises. While we were there, we also helped conduct a community survey for people attending those activities, just to learn how The Jungle has impacted them and how it could better serve the community.
It’s located in a shopping center, which is a great spot to bring together people from all walks of life. Really cool to see that in action.
Brenna Carson: So that art element at The Jungle—do you do a lot of art as an ecology major?
Travis Sweeney: No, I don’t. I’m not very good at it at all. I like to doodle sometimes, but that’s about it.
Brenna Carson: Maybe sketch plants or something?
Travis Sweeney: Yeah, I did a few leaf sketches!
Brenna Carson: Still art—landscape vibes! How did you end up going on the trip? Have you gone on other spring break trips before, or was this a new thing for you?
Travis Sweeney: Yeah, so at Northwestern we have Spring Service Partnerships. Every spring break, they send teams to various places. Last year I went to New Mexico to work with a church.
This year, I saw the UK trip and felt called to it. A few people talked to me about it since it was a new option, and I don’t think Northwestern had partnered with One Collective before. I’d also been to England the previous summer and really loved it, so I thought it’d be cool to go back. I definitely don’t regret it—it was amazing.
Brenna Carson: How did the service partnership trip compare to your personal trip to England?
Travis Sweeney: It was definitely different. When I went with two friends last summer, we stayed with someone we knew in London and had more freedom to do whatever.
But in Oxford, every day was spent at The Jungle, and then we'd go out in the evenings with volunteers or with Phil, Lola, or Micah. It was a different pace, but both trips were really good in their own way.
Brenna Carson: Yeah, both are cross-cultural experiences, even if they’re different.
Travis Sweeney: Definitely. And with this Oxford trip, it was a lot more clear to see Jesus working and transforming lives at The Jungle. That wasn’t something I experienced in the same way during my personal trip. It was really cool to witness people choosing to be there and being changed by Jesus.
Brenna Carson: That’s such a powerful part of these service trips—getting to see where God is already at work and stepping into that.
Can you share a moment or story from the week that really stuck with you, something that helped you see God in a fresh way?
Travis Sweeney: Yeah, absolutely. One thing that stood out was seeing how The Jungle does ministry. It’s part of One Collective’s holistic approach, which isn’t overtly “Christian” on the surface, so it draws in people who might not walk into a traditional church setting.
They just show the love of Jesus through their actions, and people become curious. That curiosity opens doors to transformation.
Men’s prayer was another highlight—we had 26 guys that morning, and Phil said it was the most they’d ever had. That was special.
Also, seeing how God changed the lives of some of the volunteers—one guy in particular used to be the biggest drug dealer in Oxford. He hit rock bottom, found Jesus, got baptized four months ago, and is now living a completely different life. That kind of transformation doesn’t come from anything else in the world besides Jesus. It was eye-opening.
Brenna Carson: Amen to that. Thanks for sharing that story.
Travis Sweeney: Yeah.
Brenna Carson: So fast forward—now that you’re back and looking toward the end of the school year, what do you feel like you're carrying with you from this trip? Whether in a big way or something smaller?
Travis Sweeney: I think, like I said earlier, just the way The Jungle and One Collective do ministry—leading with love and letting your actions speak for your faith. That really impacted me.
Next year, I’ll be an RA, and I think it’ll be a great opportunity to live that out—serving people, welcoming them no matter what they’re going through, and letting Jesus show His love through me. This trip had a big impact, and I’m even thinking about working with One Collective again or going back to Oxford. Before the trip, I didn’t even know anything about One Collective.
Brenna Carson: That’s so exciting! We’d love to explore what that might look like. It’s clear God is doing something in your life right now. That kind of intentional love and presence you’re describing is going to make such a difference in your RA role.
Travis Sweeney: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Brenna Carson: When you were preparing for this trip—or even your previous ones—was there anything you did that helped get you in the right mindset or spiritual headspace? Something you’d recommend to someone considering a short-term opportunity like this?
Travis Sweeney: Definitely a lot of prayer. Also, meeting regularly with the group going on the trip helped. We worked on sharing our testimonies and thinking through what Jesus has done in our lives so we’d be ready to share that if the opportunity came up.
I don’t think you ever feel totally “ready,” but once you’re there, you feel present, and God meets you where you are. The week flies by and feels like you’ve been there much longer—in a good way. It’s just a really meaningful experience.
‍

One Collective 4/22/25 One Collective 4/22/25

Serving Abroad, Growing Within: A Conversation with Miriam Rete

In this episode, Brenna Carson sits down with Miriam Rete, a student at Northwestern College, to talk about her recent cross-cultural service trip to Cowley, England. Miriam shares her experience leading a student team, working with a local community center, and how God has used travel and missions to deepen her faith. From tea time in the UK to meaningful conversations with those overcoming addiction, Miriam reflects on the joy found in different cultures and the importance of listening and learning. Whether you're considering a short-term trip or simply curious about life-changing global service, this episode is full of inspiration and wisdom.

Episode 15 | 12 Minutes | April 22, 2024

🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

Miriam shares about leading a short-term mission trip to Cowley, England, where her team partnered with a local community center called The Jungle to support activities like story time, tea time, and art gym.
Reflections on spiritual growth—Miriam talks about how cross-cultural experiences have deepened her faith and helped her recognize joy and gratitude in everyday life.
Powerful encounters with individuals in recovery—She shares how connecting with men from a local rehab center inspired her through their testimonies of transformation and faith.
Lessons from leading two international trips—Miriam compares her experiences in Costa Rica and England, and discusses how different cultures reflect God’s image in unique ways.
Encouragement for others considering missions—She offers advice for those hesitant to step out of their comfort zone: go with a heart ready to listen, learn, and grow.

Miriam Rete is a passionate student leader studying Business Administration at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. With a heart for cross-cultural service and a vision for a future in healthcare administration, Miriam has led multiple short-term mission trips, including to San José, Costa Rica, and Cowley, England. Known for her joyful spirit and thoughtful leadership, she’s deeply committed to learning from others, embracing different cultures, and sharing God’s love through meaningful connection and service.
Brenna Carson: Hello! Welcome, Miriam. How are you doing?
Miriam Rete: I'm doing great!
Brenna Carson: Good! Well, thanks for being here. I’m so excited to hear about your service experience with us and learn more about your story. To start, could you introduce yourself a little bit? Maybe tell us where you go to school, what year you're in, what you're majoring in—and if you have any post-grad plans, I’d love to hear those too.
Miriam Rete: Yes, I’d love to share. I'm Miriam, and I go to Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. I’m majoring in Business Administration, but I hope to further my education and pursue a master's in Healthcare Administration. As for post-grad plans, I'm still figuring things out, but I’m considering staying in the States and working in healthcare—or maybe going abroad for a while to do missions.
Brenna Carson: Awesome, that’s very cool! You recently returned from a short-term trip with us. Can you tell us a little bit about where you went, what the experience was like, and some of the projects you were involved in?
Miriam Rete: Yes! I led a team of nine students along with an adult leader. We went to Cowley, England, which is a suburb of Oxford. While there, we worked with a community center called The Jungle. We helped with a variety of activities—story time in the morning, tea time in the afternoon, and an art gym program.
Brenna Carson: That sounds awesome! Was that your first time in the UK?
Miriam Rete: No, I’ve actually been a few times before.
Brenna Carson: Got it. But this was your first time leading a trip there as a student, right?
Miriam Rete: Yes, it was.
Brenna Carson: That’s awesome. How was it, stepping into that leadership role on a short-term trip? Was that something new for you?
Miriam Rete: I actually led a trip last year through Northwestern as well—for our spring break trips. That one was to San José, Costa Rica. It was such an amazing experience, and very different from this trip to Cowley. The cultures and environments were so unique. It was really cool to compare the two and see how God has created people and places so differently—yet we're all still made in His image and reflect that in how we live and interact.
Brenna Carson: I love that perspective! You've had the opportunity to experience multiple cultures. From those trips, how do you think you’ve grown in your walk with the Lord?
Miriam Rete: That’s a good question. Seeing how God is working in different places and through different people has opened my eyes. Sometimes, I realize I’ve been stagnant in my faith or take things for granted. Watching people who have so much joy, even without the same opportunities or material things I have, really shifts my perspective. It reminds me to be thankful and to find joy in the everyday things God has given me.
Brenna Carson: Yeah—“comparison is the thief of joy,” right? It’s powerful that you were able to step back and really see the joy we have access to in the Lord. That perspective shift is so valuable. Do you see this latest trip to Cowley impacting your life now that you're back home?
Miriam Rete: Definitely. In Cowley, we worked with several men from a local drug rehab center who would come to the community center. We played pool and ping pong with them, shared tea, and heard their stories. Many of them were eager to share how they had overcome addiction and how they’d grown closer to God in the process. It was so encouraging to hear how their past struggles were now helping them support others.
Coming back, I’ve been reflecting on that—thinking about how I can use my own experiences to encourage people around me. There are things I’ve struggled with that others may be going through now, and I want to let God use my story to help them.
Brenna Carson: That’s really powerful. God absolutely uses our stories to encourage others. And even as a college student, there are so many ways to support and uplift the people around you—you don’t have to wait until after graduation to be a light in your community.
You’ve now led two short-term trips. What would you say to someone considering something like this—whether it’s a week-long experience like yours or something longer? How would you encourage them or help them prepare?
Miriam Rete: First, I’d say: just go for it! A lot of people are hesitant, especially if it’s far from home or their comfort zone. But stepping into that space is often where God grows us the most.
It’s important to approach trips like this with a learning mindset. Be prepared to listen and observe. Don’t come in with your own assumptions or agendas. Instead, ask, “Why do they do it this way?” and be open to learning from it.
Brenna Carson: That’s great advice. Was there ever a time before your first trip when you hesitated and someone told you, “Just go for it”?
Miriam Rete: Not exactly. I’ve done a lot of traveling growing up, and my parents always taught my siblings and me to see travel as a learning experience. Whether it was interacting with people, trying new foods, or going to museums, they helped us see how different communities and cultures have developed over time.
Now, having led these two trips, I realize not everyone has that same background. And that perspective can really shape how we interact on a trip—with the local community and even within our own team.
Brenna Carson: Absolutely. Every cross-cultural experience shapes us—it changes how we see the world and how we relate to others. So, final question: what do you think cross-cultural service will look like for you moving forward?
Miriam Rete: As I mentioned, I’m looking into doing some missions after I graduate this December. I’m not sure yet where I’ll go, but I’m exploring different opportunities. I want to continue learning more about God through different places and people, and I want to play a role in expanding His kingdom.
If I do come back to the States and work in healthcare, I hope my missions experience will help me see people with different backgrounds in a new light. I want to carry that same heart of service into whatever context I’m in—whether it’s overseas or in a hospital here.
Brenna Carson: Absolutely. Thank you so much for sharing that. It’s been so encouraging to hear how God has been shaping your journey—through your travels, your leadership, and your faith. We’re so grateful to have had you serve with us and to have you lead one of our teams. Thanks for being here, Miriam!
Miriam Rete: Thank you!‍

One Collective 1/13/25 One Collective 1/13/25

Empowered to Serve: Grace’s Story of Growth and Community Impact

In this episode, Grace reflects on her summer as a community engagement intern in Santiago, Spain, where she worked with Apotheca on projects like assembling farmer's baskets, organizing events, and advertising artisanal products. She shares how the experience challenged her expectations, deepened her cross-cultural understanding, and revealed unexpected passions, including entrepreneurship. Grace's story highlights the value of stepping out of your comfort zone, cultivating enduring habits, and using your unique gifts to serve others.

Episode 14 | 12 Minutes | January 9th , 2025

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In this Episode:

Overview of Grace's responsibilities, including assembling farmer's baskets, making handmade soap, and organizing community events.
Insights into her unexpected passion for business and community engagement.
Reflections on how the internship differed from her expectations and helped her grow personally and professionally.
The impact of mentorship and intentional relationships with her team and leaders.
How Grace plans to apply what she learned in her local community and future career.
Advice for students considering cross-cultural service opportunities.
Grace’s thoughts on cultivating enduring habits and following God’s guidance in life and career.

Grace Roth is a college student at Colorado Christian University majoring in psychology. She recently completed a transformative summer internship with One Collective in Santiago, Spain. During her time there, Grace worked as a community engagement intern with Apotheca, where she contributed to assembling farmer's baskets, creating handmade products, organizing community events, and advertising local artisanal goods.
The experience not only allowed her to explore a new culture and lifestyle but also helped her discover an unexpected passion for business and community engagement. Through intentional mentorship and practical experiences, Grace grew in confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of serving others in both cross-cultural and local contexts. She envisions applying these insights to her future career, blending her interests in psychology and entrepreneurship to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.
Brenna Carson
Hi, Grace. How are you?
Grace Roth
Good. How are you?
Brenna Carson
I'm good. Thanks for being here. I'm really excited to hear about your experience with us and all the things you did this summer. Could you start off by just giving us a brief recap of your serving experience?
Grace Roth
Yeah, for sure. So I was in Santiago, Spain for about a month and a half as a community engagement intern. During this time, I was primarily working with Apotheca. Some of the things I did included assembling and delivering Apotheca's weekly farmer's baskets, making handmade soap, and participating in lectures and workshops. I was also working and living with two other girls, Kristen Becker and Kendra Tolley. Each of us interns had a variety of objectives to complete. My projects included coordinating a community event, designing a menu for the Apotheca store, redecorating the chalkboard outside, and helping with advertising Apotheca's artisanal products and partnerships. I also got to do some fun things like walking parts of the Camino, watching Spain win the Euro Cup, attending multiple festivals and concerts, and traveling within Spain to various beaches and markets. Our Airbnb was surrounded by lots of greenery, so one of my favorite things was exploring the area and the city.
Brenna Carson
That's amazing, especially that you got to be there for the Euro final. That must have been such a cool cultural experience. Looking back on your summer, I know it was a few months ago. How do you think your time compared to your expectations of what service with One Collective would look like?
Grace Roth
Yeah, definitely. I've had the privilege of doing some cross-cultural internships before, but this one felt very unique and different in a great way. I kind of expected to feel out of place, uncomfortable, and challenged, and I definitely felt that. We had a lot more free time and independence than I expected. I didn't expect to become such close friends with the leaders there. A lot of the time, we were doing behind-the-scenes work on the computer, which I really enjoyed because it felt very practical in the moment. Overall, it was very different from my expectations, but that's what made it such a wonderful time.
Brenna Carson
Okay, I want to ask you about that. You said you expected to feel uncomfortable and challenged, and you did. Tell me a little bit more about that.
Grace Roth
Well, I've never been to Spain before, so the culture was very different than what I expected. Just having more chill days and walking everywhere—I think we walked six to seven miles every day. The food and people were very different than what I expected, but it was such a privilege to be part of that lifestyle, which was very different from what I'm used to.
Brenna Carson
Yeah, we don't often walk six to seven miles a day here, I think. So, that would be a challenge.
One of the things that you and I have talked about before is how you felt unsure going into the summer about how you would contribute and how your classroom skills would transfer to this experience. But you still felt very seen and invested in. Could you tell us a little bit more about how you went into this experience, how you left, and how you feel like you grew personally?
Grace Roth
Yeah, definitely. Well, I was only there for five weeks, but I feel like this experience is a huge milestone in my life that will transform how I approach the future in terms of career and interactions with people. What I appreciated most was how close I became with the other two interns and the team, like Dusty, Megan, and Jordy. Dusty and Megan met with each of us interns twice during the internship for one-on-one discussions about how we were doing. I really appreciated how they invested in us personally and the friendship that grew from that. Dusty's words of encouragement were really impactful for me.
Brenna Carson
Yeah, that's really cool. I love that they created space for that intentional mentorship relationship. It is much more than just a supervisory role.
What are some of the things you see yourself bringing into a future career from this summer's experience?
Grace Roth
Yeah, well, I'm majoring in psychology and counseling right now. I thought the internship would be geared towards that, but it was more focused on business. I realized I'm really passionate about engaging the community in different ways. I saw the role of the church and Christians in a different light. That's something I want to bring into my current community, seeing the needs and doing what I can to help.
Brenna Carson
I love that, the openness to adapting to what needs may be and how you can use skills you didn't realize you had to further God's kingdom. How do you see this experience impacting your life back in the States?
Grace Roth
Coming back, I was really energized to use the training I had this past summer to impact my community in different ways. I've been living in Denver, Colorado, for four years now, and I have this history with the community. Serving in a different country gave me knowledge that I can now bring back and use productively to serve others.
Brenna Carson
Now, almost a year ago, you and I met and started talking about the summer and what service with us might look like. What would you say to someone considering service with One Collective or cross-cultural work in general? What advice would you give, or how can they prepare for this experience?
Grace Roth
First, I'd say to recognize where you're currently at. It doesn't matter your age or level of experience because God has been preparing and guiding you your entire life up to this point. You are uniquely made to serve Him. One Collective really showed me that, even as a college student, I can serve with the unique gifts God has given me. Be curious about the culture and what you'll be doing or where you're going, but don't stress about it because you'll be fine. You can't always prepare 100%. Continue nurturing your current habits because they will carry into the work you do in a different country or space.
Brenna Carson
We intentionally recruit and want to serve with college students for a reason. That demographic makes up a large number of our short-term participants, and we care deeply about investing in you personally. Like in your case, it can affect how you view your future work locally once you return home. I'm so glad you felt encouraged and found your skills valuable. Even early in life, we love to support and encourage you. One final question: How do you see cross-cultural service playing a role in your life now?
Grace Roth
Yeah, that's a great question. My plan is to go overseas, but we'll see what God's will is. I'm studying psychology, but I picked up a class in entrepreneurship, and it's been my favorite class in college this year. I'm really intrigued by it and think I would love to pursue it in the future. I don't know where that might be, but I'm open to what God has for me.
Brenna Carson
Grace, thank you for sharing your story. It's been cool to see your journey over the last year, from post-graduation plans to your summer experience, your gifting, and now this new, exciting class. I'm sure God will use it in your future. Thank you for your time today. I can't wait to see how your story continues to unfold.
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One Collective 1/9/25 One Collective 1/9/25

Faith in Action: Kendra’s Story of Serving in Santiago

In this episode, we sit down with Kendra, who spent six weeks serving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with Apotheca, a nonprofit supporting local businesses and low-income families. She shares about her work connecting pilgrims and the community, marketing local farmer baskets, and assisting in programs like soap workshops for survivors of domestic violence. Kendra reflects on how this experience deepened her faith, taught her patience, and shaped her passion for listening and walking alongside others. Whether you’re considering cross-cultural service or simply looking for inspiration, Kendra’s journey is a beautiful reminder of the impact of humility, love, and faith in action.

Episode 13 | 12 Minutes | Dec 18, 2024

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In this Episode:

Kendra’s Summer in Spain: Kendra spent six weeks in Santiago de Compostela working with Apotheca, a nonprofit supporting local businesses, low-income families, and survivors of domestic violence.
Community and Connection: Her work included marketing farmer baskets, running a produce store, and creating initiatives like "Sample Santiago" to connect pilgrims walking the Camino with local businesses.
Personal and Spiritual Growth: Kendra learned patience, listening, and the importance of meeting people where they are, which deepened her faith and understanding of God’s kindness and grace.
Impact Back Home: Her experience shaped her current internship with hospice, where she uses listening and advocacy skills to support caregivers and patients.
Encouragement for Future Volunteers: Kendra encourages others to follow the desires God places on their hearts, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace cross-cultural service as a way to grow and connect with others.

Kendra is a senior at Cedarville University studying social work. She has a passion for cross-cultural service and community development, as well as walking alongside people as they navigate through life. Currently, Kendra is applying some of the lessons that she learned this past summer to her hospice internship, supporting caregivers and patients with compassion and understanding.
Host: Today we have the pleasure of hearing from Kendra, who served with us this summer on our team in Spain. Kendra, thank you for being here. It's such a pleasure to welcome you to the podcast! Tell us a little bit more about your summer. Where were you exactly? How long were you there? What did you do? Give us the whole update.
Kendra: Hi! Yeah, thanks so much for having me on the podcast. I'm Kendra. I was in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, for six weeks this summer. I was working with Apotheca, which is a nonprofit supporting local businesses in the area.
There are two organizations in Santiago during the summer: Pilgrim House and Apotheca. Apotheca focuses on supporting local businesses through various initiatives. We worked in a small produce store, selling goods, delivering baskets from local farmers to low-income families, and doing behind-the-scenes work to market and enhance the store’s presence in the community.
Host: That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that. Were there any specific projects you were a part of when you were marketing and enhancing Apotheca’s work?
Kendra: Yeah! Apotheca has so many facets to its work. One of the projects we participated in was their soap workshops. These workshops help support women who have experienced domestic violence. We learned how to make soap, helped sell it, and supported the scheduling and planning of the workshops.
I also worked in the store doing creative tasks like making posters and signs and promoting the farmers’ baskets through marketing tools. A lot of it was about creating resources to let the community know what Apotheca offers.
One of their newest initiatives was the "Sample Santiago" project, which connects pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago with local businesses in the city. This ties into the work of Pilgrim House as well. The project creates a sweet connection between the pilgrims and the community, giving them insight into the businesses and the stories behind them.
Host: That is very cool. I love that you’ve been a part of bringing people together in the community, creating those connections. It’s a really special experience. Now, I’m sure that throughout the summer, your walk with the Lord was challenged and deepened in several ways. Can you share some of the ways you grew in your faith or things you learned about the Lord during your time in Santiago?
Kendra: I think one of the biggest things I learned was patience. Learning a new culture and listening to people well were huge challenges. It allowed me to see the Lord’s kindness in a new way—how He individually loves each of us and how His love is so much greater than our limited human capacity.
I was reminded of His grace and forgiveness, especially in how He brings people together and gives us gifts to serve alongside one another. It deepened my gratitude for His attributes and His orchestration in all things.
Host: Thank you for sharing that. That’s such a powerful learning experience and a way to see the Lord in a new light. Do you feel like you discovered anything new about yourself or your giftings that was especially impactful?
Kendra: Absolutely. One of the greatest things I learned is how much I love listening to people and hearing their stories. I believe the Lord has given me a heart to listen and meet people where they are. This summer taught me to reflect that in my everyday life—to trust, build relationships, and not give up after the first awkward conversation. It’s about continuing to love people well.
Host: That’s such a valuable takeaway. Now that you’ve been back for a bit, how do you see the lessons you learned impacting your life here in the States?
Kendra: One big way is through my current internship with hospice. As a social work major, I’m working with caregivers who are often stressed and overwhelmed. This summer taught me patience and the importance of meeting people where they are. Listening to and caring for them has been a huge blessing.
I’ve also learned from One Collective’s approach of stepping back, learning about a community first, and advocating for people to create change for themselves. That’s been so impactful for how I interact with others now.
Host: That’s a beautiful perspective. So you obviously made a big decision to serve with One Collective this summer. Can you tell us a bit more about that decision-making process? What made you finally take the leap? And what advice would you give to others considering cross-cultural service?
Kendra: Sure! One of the mobilizers, Mark, came to my school during my freshman year and introduced me to One Collective. He talked about their community development work, and I felt the Lord put the desire on my heart to serve.
Initially, I wanted to go that first summer, but my parents were hesitant because I was young, and I respected their decision. The desire grew, and by my junior year, I knew it was time to step out and go. It all worked out perfectly—I ended up going with two other interns who taught me so much about living and working alongside others.
For anyone considering cross-cultural work, my advice is this: if the Lord places the desire on your heart, why not? Step out of your comfort zone, learn as much as you can, and trust Him with the outcome. It’s such a rewarding experience.
Host: That’s excellent advice. Now that you’ve served overseas and returned home, what do you think cross-cultural service will look like for you in the future?
Kendra: I have a huge desire to serve cross-culturally again. I love learning about communities and finding ways to serve them. But I also see how these lessons apply to my everyday life here in the U.S.—whether through my local church or other opportunities.
It’s about stepping back, taking risks, and learning before trying to create change. Even when things don’t go as planned, the process of getting to know people and working alongside them is so rewarding.
Host: That’s such a wonderful perspective. Thank you, Kendra, for sharing your story, your heart, and the incredible lessons you’ve learned. It’s been an inspiration to hear about your summer in Spain and how it’s shaping your life moving forward.
Kendra: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a joy to share!
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One Collective 8/4/24 One Collective 8/4/24

Connections and Callings: Heather's Journey from Campus to Compostela

Heather recently graduated from Azusa Pacific University and went on a trip to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. She went with a group of fellow students and partnered with a collective through her university's global engagement program. Heather had a new experience leading the trip and working with a new group of people. One of her favorite parts was seeing her team members come out of their shells and discover their passions. She also had a memorable moment visiting a local farm in Spain that reminded her of her own family's farm in America. The trip has had a significant impact on Heather's spiritual journey and she feels a calling for long-term mission work. She has a passion for cross-cultural ministry and is exploring where she feels most connected and invested. Heather's advice for future short-term team workers is to learn about the area they are going to, understand the culture, and practice the language.

Episode 11 | 17 Minutes | Aug 4, 2024

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In this Episode:

Heather’s personal experience in Spain
How leading a group can impact and benefit your experience
Taking risks joining cross-cultural service, and how it affects one’s future
The similarities and differences of Spanish and American culture
The importance of context and understanding before one goes into the field

Heather is a recent graduate from Azusa Pacific University, where she majored in English with a minor in Biblical Studies. She’s a thoughtful and reflective individual who embraced a transformative experience through a mission trip to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Initially nervous about leading a new group of peers, Heather found the experience both exhilarating and challenging. This experience highlighted the common struggles faced by small farms and deepened her connection with Spanish culture.

Heather found the relaxed pace of Spanish life and the emphasis on long, leisurely meals both intriguing and difficult to adapt to, contrasting sharply with her American habits of starting the day early. Spiritually, Heather felt guided by God throughout the trip and has been reflecting on her call to long-term cross-cultural work. Looking ahead, Heather is exploring where her passion for cross-cultural ministry will lead her, seeking to understand more about the people and cultures she feels most connected to. She values deep, relational engagement and is committed to learning and growing through her experiences. Heather’s journey is marked by a blend of curiosity, openness, and a desire to understand and connect with others on a meaningful level.
Introduction and Meet Heather
Hello! Today we are here with Heather, and as always we are going to hear a little bit about her trip and her experience, but first I'm gonna let her introduce herself. Heather, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello everyone, my name is Heather and I just recently graduated from Azusa Pacific University I don't know what else to say.
Well, congratulations! What did you major in?
I majored in English and I had a minor in Biblical Studies.
Nice!
The Santiago de Compostela Trip
Super interesting so, let's talk about your trip can you tell me when and where you went and who you went with?
Yeah, so we went on a trip to Santiago de Compostela back in May. We left, I want to say May 11th through the 26th. went on this trip with a couple of other fellow students from my school and we partnered with one collective through Azusa Pacific University and their Global Engagement Program, and we went and worked with Dusty and Megan Dillon and Jordi in, uh, Spain.
Meeting New People and Leadership Challenges
Awesome. So did you know any of these people before you went on the trip or was it kind of just meeting them as you went?
I was just meeting everybody as we went. The way Azusa you have a trip and they'll interview for a leader, and then once they have a leader, the leader will interview other people who are interested in going on the trip, and then you start having team meetings. So I went through that whole process. And I didn't know anyone until et them in the interviews and then we started having team meetings.
Dang, so fresh start meeting a whole new group of people. Tell me a little bit about that. Was it kind of out of your comfort zone?
I enjoyed having new people and getting to meet new people through this experience, but it was a little nerve-wracking, especially being the one leading the trip to school's end because that was the whole new experience of being in charge of people in a way that I. did Never before had been and also recognized at the same time that these people are my peers. And so there were a lot of Cases where the only leadership I rad was in emergencies and every day was a lot more of just checking in with everybody and seeing where everybody was at, and that was, that part was very nerve-wracking because I didn't know how these people operated, and meeting new people and then having to go and lead and work with them in a strange environment, that was just a whole new ballgame for me, but it was very exhilarating but also frightening.
Yeah, absolutely.
Favorite Moments and Cultural Insights
What was one of your favorite parts about leading specifically?
I think my favorite part was seeing the other people on my team. Find the areas that they were the most passionate about and see them just slowly come out of their shells those First couple of meetings back when we were still at APU and not on on field yet We're awkward at times and a little unsure Everybody was just trying to get to know each other and we weren't sure who these people were but once we got on the field and they started to interact with the ministry and art in what we had been preparing for. I got to see who they were and just the different areas that they had passions for. And that was fun knowing that I was a part of that and was helping with that.
Yeah, that's awesome. That's super helpful context for just the trip overall. And I also just want to ask, what was one of your favorite moments from the trip, from the week or so that you were there?
I think my all-time favorite moment was when we went to go visit a local farm that Jordi and Dusty partner with that's right on the outskirts of Santiago it's family-owned and run and has been for a couple of generations now. And that reminded me a lot of my family because we have a farm that's been owned and family-run for a couple of generations now. And it was the first time that I felt at home throughout that entire trip. It was the first time that I could see a deep connection between America and Spain as we're facing similar issues when it comes to these small family farms. And we're all trying to push back against, just corporate and the, going to making things easier and doing uh, like easy access over quality. That's something that I've seen in my journey with my family farm and how slowly that's become kind of irrelevant and just seeing them face similar issues rade me. recognize just how much we're the same people and we're in similar circumstances and we're all facing the same struggles
Yeah, that's awesome. I think it's good that you were able to see similar cultures, especially in such a specific context and area around farming. So I think that's super cool. I want to flip the narrative a little bit and also talk about the differences between them because you're going to a new country with culture. And so what two to three things were new for you to experience that were from the culture? So what were some things that maybe caught you off guard or were just a new experience for you?
I think the biggest thing that, uh, probably caught me off guard but I overall actually really enjoyed and appreciated Spanish culture is just how relaxed and laid back they are. As far as time and schedules go, they tend to not start their days at 10, or 11 a.m. and that's a stark contrast from what I was used to in America of sometimes starting my days as early as 6 in the morning, and just having that chance to go at a slower pace. see how much that was imbued in their everyday lives, like meals took hours and it was just a chance to talk to people and relax and not worry about what was happening next until it was right in front of you. And that was something that I loved, but it was really hard for me to get used to at first because n till, um, 9 o'clock every morning and then get ready to be somewhere by 11 was a very different lifestyle.
Yes, absolutely. And because they start so late, they're out late too, right? Like their dinners are really, really late and people can be out tat here, 4 am, right? Right. That’s a pattern. Everyone who has come back from the Hispanic culture, they're like, they're so slow. And I love it and it's hard to adjust to it, but it is such a good blessing and I think hopefully something that we hope to accommodate in our culture and our day. Right.
Yes, I've taken that approach back home to the dismay of my mom, but it's been very nice for me to be a little bit more relaxed about what I'm doing.
Yes, for sure. I'm so glad.
Spiritual Impact and Reflections
So I want to talk about some other ways the rip has impacted you, um, specifically like spiritually. So I want to just ask, how has God been at work since this trip as a result of your experience?
Yeah, God's been at ith this trip so much in my life like, right from the beginning, with the whole process for this trip with my school, I kind of just decided on a whim that I go talk to people about maybe volunteering as a leader, and I got there. an information meeting that I decided to attend the day of, and then signed up for an interview, and just went through the whole process, like, okay God, is this where you want me? Is this what you want me to do? And he's been using that to show me that, yes, that's what, where he wanted me, and what he wanted me to do. To be doing at this time in my life, and he's also shown me that there is a call in work on a long-term basis, and been a struggle these last few months of trying to figure out what that means, what that looks like, but also trusting God and that calling and knowing that if he's telling me to step into this, he's doing it with purpose, and there's going to be Yeah. reason for it. And I'm not just going to be thrown into the waters to sink or swim, but he's going to be there with me. And it's been a learning process since I got home from Spain of what that's going to look like, where we're going to go with that, and just what the next steps look like. But I've started the process. I started talking to people and I'm just at a point now where I can say, okay, God, I'll let, I'm going to let you lead.
Yeah, that's awesome. I want to put a pin in that because I have a question about that, but I want to get to other questions first. As we talk about spirituality, talk to me about the spiritual demographic and like culture kind of of the area and of the people you were interacting with. Were they people of faith or was that not always a conversation? Talk to me about that.
I found out that in Spain specifically, they tend to think you're either Catholic or agnostic because that's where their biggest demographics are. There aren't a lot of Protestants or any other religion present in Spain, but also with that, the Catholics in the nation tend to be more religious in the sense of it's what their family has done, and it's very much you're Catholic because your parents were Catholic, not necessarily because you have that personal conviction to be Catholic, which is a trend that we don't see in the United States, but I think is something that is starting to pick up a little bit more is that there are a lot of people who just claim to be Christian because they grew up in a Christian household, whether or not they believe in God, but that that's something that they just have adopted in their life. And it was very much a different mindset for me because everybody I know, they've all gone through a faith crisis at one point or another, a chance where they've had to sit down and say, okay, what, why do I believe what I believe? All of my friends have either, Rejected their parents' religion or they've found a reason to make it their own and that was something that I was not Expecting or knew really how to deal with when it came to the Spanish culture, especially because Their mindset They don't want missionaries there. They don't want to talk to people about faith because, in their minds, they say, well, we kind of invented this mission model with, the California missions and all So we've been on this for a while and we don't need people to come and save us because we are all or at least the nation's Catholic. And so we didn't run into a whole lot of those conversations, but we did meet people. in and partnered with organizations that were practicing Christianity. And so we got to just pour into them and just interact with them and talk about faith with the people who were close to One Collective or close to Dusty and Megan and see the impact that they've had in the church that they're volunteering at there and the church and supporting there. And that part of it was a lot more laid back, or not laid back, less emphasized than I was expecting, but I think it was very good because it showed me just how much Dusty, Jordi, and Megan were more focused on building relationships with people and having that connection with them before diving into the faith part of it. from my own experience, that's really when you have those deep and fruitful conversations. And when people are the most receptive to hearing about Jesus is when they know you personally. And so seeing that in practice was encouraging.
Yeah, that's amazing. I love that. And first of all, way to look up the context and the demographic of the place you're going to shout out for that because that's super important. And now not everybody does that. So way to go you. But yeah, I think that's a great point. I think it definitely, shifts the way you look at missions when you think about it more relational based, and when you think about sometimes you go there, and you have this pre-assumed idea of what you're going to do, and how you're going to talk to people, and how you might interact with people. Quote-unquote converts people and maybe that's not the heart of how you minister to others. And I think that's a really interesting perspective to have Now that you've come out of that and so thinking about other people who have you know joined these one collective or getting ready to go on a trip What advice would you have for them as they prepare as they get ready to go into the field?
Advice for Future Missionaries
What advice would you give to them?
Well, I would start by saying, I would look up the area you're going to a little bit, learn a little bit more about one of the things about Santiago when I was looking it up is the Camino and that whole trail and the history with that is something that I had no idea of before. All right. I heard about this trip. I didn't know that that was a thing. The only long trails that I knew of existed in the states, like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, so I did a deep dive into all of that, learned about the history of the place that we were going, learned about all the different mythologies of the area all the different, traditions that they had and that helped me a lot, I think, have a better understanding of what I was stepping into. It was also through that I found out that there was a university in the city. I didn't know that ahead of time, but I learned that there was a university. And, it was one of the biggest ones in Spain, which was run to see. It was really fun to see how that worked and learn a little bit about what universities look like in Spain compared to other countries. I also practiced the language as much as I could, it wasn't as much as I should have, but I did know enough to get by as far as ordering things or, um, getting on public transportation, which was very helpful. was also helpful that both of the people on my team were also very good Spanish speakers. They'll tell you that they're elementary, but they were, they were pretty good at it.
Fair, yeah, Always a language piece, and whenever I ask for advice, they always mention something about the language. But no, I think that is super helpful. Taking time to understand the context, and understand the people, will help your trip immensely.

Future Plans and Final Thoughts
so now we'll circle back to what you were talking about, about how you have kind of grown a passion for missions passion for doing cross-cultural ministry. And so I want to ask, what will cross-cultural service look like for you in the future? Even if you don't have a full grasp or idea, what does that process kind of look like for you now?

I’m trying to find what people group I feel the most connected to. That's been a big thing for me recently. I'm just trying to figure that out. The most experience I have is with, the Hispanic culture because I live in Southern California. So I've grown up around it that's the only mission trip I've ever done has been to Mexico or Spain. So those are the ones that I have like The most natural connection with, but I'm not sure if it's where I'm the most passionate about and that's a lot of what the next, what next steps look like to me is to make sure that the place I'm going is a place I feel deeply connected to, but also understand the culture I'm stepping into and have a passion for those people because that's one of the things that I've learned about myself too, is that I'm, you know, a lot more willing to go fully in if I'm invested and I'm passionate about it. And making sure that everyone is seen and connected and understanding the other side, which has been fun to see because, for the longest time, we were offering Spanish services, but they were very separate, those two communities didn't overlap a lot, and so now I'm just planning on getting involved in that and just seeing what that looks like to do it here in the States, here in my home city, and then hopefully I can learn from that and take that with me.
Yeah, absolutely. I think those are great questions to ask. And I think that that's a really good process to kind of understand beyond just where you want to go, who you want to be with, and who you want to serve. So I think you are asking all the right questions for sure. And taking the time to make sure you're aware of yourself your passions and your desires.
Conclusion and Farewell
So, once again, shout out to you. Um, so this is all super so this is all super helpful to hear and I enjoyed hearing your stories and hearing the way that you've processed this trip. I'm sure it will be really helpful for future short-term team workers. And ultimately it is a testament to God and what he's doing through you and the world.
So thank you so much for joining us today. And we will talk to another person soon. Bye!
Bye.

One Collective 7/31/24 One Collective 7/31/24

Crossing Paths: Jesse Watson's Journey of Faith and Service in Spain

Jesse Watson shares his experience serving in Spain with One Collective and the impact it had on his life. He discusses the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, the cultural differences he encountered, and the growth he experienced through cross-cultural ministry. Jesse also offers advice for those preparing to go on a short-term team trip and shares his plans for cross-cultural service.

Episode 10 | 12 Minutes | Jul 31, 2024

🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

Involvement is centered around Pilgrim House, which focuses on ministry along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Contrasting his role as a team leader this year with his solo experience the previous year, highlighting personal growth and leadership development.
Insights emphasize how storytelling and journalism have become unexpected avenues for spiritual service and connection.
Cultural nuances he encountered in Spain, such as dining etiquette and the slower pace of life.
Practical advice for those preparing for short-term missions, stressing the importance of preparation, prayer, and cultural awareness.
Encouragement for potential travelers

Jesse is a recent college graduate from California who has a deep passion for cross-cultural ministry, particularly focused on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He initially participated in this ministry as a solo worker, then returned later as a team leader. Jesse values storytelling and sees it as a powerful form of ministry, inspired by his background in journalism. His experiences have deepened his faith and understanding of God's work in people's lives through intentional service and listening to others' stories.

Looking forward, Jesse plans to continue engaging in cross-cultural service, potentially revisiting the Camino with his father and seeking out opportunities to serve locally through storytelling and community engagement. His journey illustrates personal growth, a strong connection to his faith, and a commitment to integrating his passions into meaningful service both abroad and at home.
Introduction and Guest Introduction
All right, hello everybody! Today we are with Jesse, and once again he is going to tell us about his trip, but first I am going to let him introduce himself. So Jesse, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi. Yeah. Thanks for having me on the podcast, Sofi. I'm Jesse and I'm a recent graduate or college graduate from California. And I recently went to Spain with One Collective.

Jesse's Trip to Spain
Amazing! So first let's just start with the basics. Now we know where you went, but when did you go, and who did you go with?

Yeah. So I went to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, for the past two summers. I've done this trip. I was serving with an organization called Pilgrim House through one collective and their ministry is centered around the Camino de Santiago, which is a pilgrimage in Spain that a lot of people go to, to backpack and if they're looking for. A change in their life if they're looking for clarity after a situation. So a lot of people are coming. They're just lost and looking for something more. So I got an opportunity to serve with them this year with my team, leading students on a short-term team. And then I got the opportunity to serve for a month and a half last year as a solo worker as a short-term worker.

That's awesome!

Returning to Santiago de Compostela
Talk to me a little bit about, it because I'm always curious, when you return and you return to the same space and the same ministry, what was that like to come back to the same area and to see either the fruit of the work you did or just to see those people again?

Yeah, it was cool. I think a lot of times with short-term missions, we think of it as you're going there and then you come back and, you can keep up with the ministry, but it feels like it's just something you did and it's done. So it was cool to have the opportunity to go back and see that, like the ministry is still there and, That there was an impact on the work I did last year and that I could bring that experience this year. I think something interesting this year was coming back, as the leader of a team versus last year going as a solo member. The dynamics were pretty different, but it was cool to have that different experience of growing in different ways last year was all about internal growth for me and, like just growing as a person, and then I was able to use that this year as a leader and kind of make that space for my team to experience the ministry that was so special to me last year.

Yeah, that's awesome!

Favorite Moments from the Trip
And I want to talk about that growth a little bit, but first, I just want to hear what was one of your favorite moments. From the trip, a favorite memory or just a favorite conversation, or what was just your favorite moment from the trip?

Yeah. Wow. One of my favorite moments from this year was, we did this thing called a pilgrim social at the pilgrim house. So that's for people who walk the trail, walk the Camino and, we spent all day prepping food and prepping this charcuterie layout. That was super awesome. But we got to just chat with pilgrims all night. It was like standing around and talking with 15 pilgrims who had just finished the Camino. And just getting to hear their stories and Share our hearts for why we love the Camino and why we love pilgrims.

That's awesome. That's so cool. And I think that's also just a really fun part of ministering to others is just hearing who they are and how they've lived. And so we did talk about growth a little bit and you talked about how there was a big difference in that growth opportunity for you.

Spiritual Growth and Storytelling
So something that we consistently acknowledge is that God has consistently used these trips to work through us and other people. And so tell me a little bit about that. How has God been at work since this trip as a result of your experience?

Yeah, these trips have been a big way that I've experienced God and experienced him through a different lens rather than my normal day life. I think I experienced growth with God in my first trip because there was a lot of solitude there and a lot of time of I walked the Camino on my own. So I got a lot of time to pray and a lot of time to be in the word. That impacted my relationship with God because it was, it pointed out to me that it was something intentional that I had to seek. And then I think in doing the ministry, I saw more of God's character in his presence in people's lives and, how he uses our talents, to further his kingdom and for his glory.

One of the big reasons that I went to Spain was because I love storytelling. And I studied journalism in college and I never really thought of that as a type of like way that I could serve. I just thought of it as like a vocation. One of the big things that I learned this last year was that, God uses that uses those talents that he gave us, and we can give them back to his kingdom in ways that we never thought could be service. I never thought sitting with someone and hearing their story or just about how the Camino was for them could be an active service, but I think God pointed out to me that that is service. That's a gift he gave me and that's a gift I can bring back to his kingdom.

So even now in my everyday life, given me these talents. He's given me these passions for people and storytelling. How do I use that every day? And just chatting with someone and helping them feel seen. It's not something that has to happen in Spain. It's something that can happen every day.

I think that is a very unique perspective, Jesse. I think that A lot of people don't always consider that and I think storytelling is so powerful I love that you're able to see your passion for journalism within the ministry. You're doing. I think that's super cool. I great answer. I want to go back to the beginning.

Cultural Differences in Spain
You were talking about the differences. And I want to acknowledge that a little bit. You are going to a different culture and though you've been there before, it's still very different than what America's culture is like. And so I want to talk about three new things that you experienced from the Spain culture.

Yeah. Okay. Let me think. I'd say. The first big thing was just like food slash like dining culture. I remember my first day there, my first year I was, or my first day on the Camino, I was alone and I was getting ready to eat dinner. And there was this restaurant with like filled and I was just standing there for 10 minutes, waiting for someone to seat me. And I was like, Oh, I think I like seat myself. And then I sat down and was waiting like a server came up and at the end of my meal, I'm just sitting there and I'm like, okay, I got to get back to my hostel. Like my hostel is about to close and I'm just like waiting for someone to bring the check. And then I realized like, Oh, it's a little bit different. Like I have to ask for the check here. So that's just like a silly, like small difference. But like when you're in that situation, I was like, so anxious about Oh my gosh, am I doing this right? Am I all these things, am I wrong? I think another different thing culturally. In Spain was seeing how people slow down a lot. Just the way that people shape their day is very different. It's a lot more intentional about taking time to rest and taking time to chat with your friends and catch up with people.

I think there's like a break in the middle of the day where people are just like, like things slow down, nighttime when you're walking through the streets, like dinner, people don't usually don't have dinner till like after eight. So people are just sitting out. And chatting and catching up with friends. So I thought that was something cool to see. Then a last cultural thing. I think just like the language barrier was an interesting thing to navigate. Like I speak a little bit of Spanish, but I realized I don't speak as much Spanish as I thought I did when I got there. But cool to see how people come in and help you, and how you can use like the little knowledge you have to get around, and even learn more while you're there.

Yeah. Did you guys have a translator or was it mostly just motions and just trying to communicate?

Yeah, we didn't have a translator walking around with us at all times, but when we were working in the Pilgrim House, all of the staff spoke Spanish, so that was super helpful, and then this year, I was the interpreter for our team, but, that didn't go super well at all times.

Once you've gone once, they think you're a master in Spanish, but you're not.

No, I'm not at all.

Gotta rack up those Duolingo streaks.

Exactly. Exactly.

I love it. That's awesome. No, I think those are great things. And I think that's been a pattern that the people I've interviewed, who've gone to Hispanic cultures, both the like silly little eating differences and also, there's a slower pace and you're like, wow, this is very interesting. So yeah, I think that those are, they're really interesting. Intriguing cultural differences.

Advice for Future Travelers
So now that you have had time to process this trip and now that you're back, I want you to think about people who have started to get themselves involved in short-term team trips. What advice would you have for someone who is preparing to go on a trip?

Yeah. I would say lean in, the preparation process is a big part of what your experience will be like there. I would say, be in prayer, be thinking about. What things you, are asking of God at this time, what, growth do you want to see, it's okay to have expectations like that. Your expectations might not, be exactly what you thought they would be, but it's okay to set those things and and see that. then also just learn about the culture you're going to, and learn about language differences, the cultural differences that I talked about. I had wished the first year that I had maybe just, done a quick Google search before I left practices in Spain, so I wasn't like sitting there waiting for the check for 15 minutes and stressed out about all these things So I would say lean into the preparation and like it's okay to have expectations But don't let those like Control what, how you experienced the trip.

Yeah, I think that's super helpful, for sure. And also, as you went on the trip, when you first went, did you know a lot of people you were going with? Or did you not know many people?

Yeah. The first year was, I just went on my own, so I was like meeting people as I got there. And then the second year when I went with the team, I knew one or two of the people on my team pretty well. But we had to do a lot of work beforehand just it's to know each other and getting to our communication styles was very important. And even, on the trip, we needed to be still working on time. figuring out how to live together and how to be in a community with this group of people that were thrown together, for a month.

Yeah, so I would love to hear what advice would you have for someone a bit timid to go on a trip because they don't know a lot of people.

Yeah, I think you should still do it. Like it's, you're going to meet new people through it. I'm not always the most extroverted social person, but it's cool to have this group of people who are experiencing the same things as you and no one's going into it, knowing what it's going to be like, and like fully feeling like maybe they are going with their best friend, but they like are still with a new dynamic of people. So you're all going to be in the same situation where you're getting to know each other while you're serving, which is a cool experience and a cool way to bond with people.

Yeah, for sure. There's nothing more bonding than trying a new culture in a new area of the world with new experiences. I think there's nothing more bonding. And we wouldn't want that any other way. I think the longevity of the relationships you make over these trips is really important. Speak volumes for sure.

Future Plans and Reflections
I have one last question for you. As you have understood cross-cultural service, and as you've witnessed the impact that it's had on your life, what will cross-cultural service look like for you now? Do you plan to go back to Spain? Do you want to go on another trip somewhere else? Are you investing in some service locally? What is that kind of going to look like for you?
Yeah. That's a great question. I think that's interesting for me because I had done this trip or I, even before I did the first trip, I was like, I had done mission trips in high school and I was like, really what I feel called to that's a good thing at that time, but I feel like my ministry is elsewhere. And then I just felt like a tugging on my heart. When I heard about this trip last or two years ago, I went and I think it redefined to me what service looks like. And so I ended up going back again another year. And yeah, I think it sparked a passion for cross-cultural, ministry for me. And, I would love to go back and do the Camino. I want to go back with my dad next year. And I think. Even, though like, has sparked a passion for me I might not be working with Pilgrim House next year if I go, but, I still have that passion for hearing people's stories on the Camino and, for hearing those stories elsewhere. So I think the, to bring that home as well, I would love to serve people just by hearing their stories daily. Like we talked about and, seeking out those opportunities for cross-cultural ministry. No,

Yeah, that's awesome. And I don't know why I didn't ask this, but have you ever done the full Camino?

I haven't. I want to. I may, my first year was like 10 days. And then this last year was five days.

But on the bucket list, I'm assuming?

On the bucket list. Yeah. I would love to do it sometime.

Amazing. That's so cool. Best of luck when that happens.

Thank you.

Podcast Conclusion and Future Episodes
Well, thank you so much for joining us. This is very helpful. I'm sure it will help a lot of short-term team workers, and it was amazing to hear about your trip and the memories and the moments that had an impact on you. So thank you so much again, and we will talk to another person soon.

One Collective 7/31/24 One Collective 7/31/24

Cross-Cultural Connections: Lily Richardson's Journey Through Greece

Lily Richardson shares her experience of a trip to Greece with a group of eight girls from her school. She talks about the unique aspects of Greek culture, such as the late dinner times and the relaxed attitude towards punctuality. Lily also discusses the importance of sitting with people and listening to them as a form of ministry. She offers advice for those going on a trip, emphasizing the need to be flexible and open-minded. Lily expresses her desire to go on another cross-cultural service trip in the future.

Episode 9 | 14 Minutes | Jul 31, 2024

🎧 Listen on Spotify | 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this Episode:

How traveling with specific individuals benefits the trip
Three cultural differences she encountered in Greece, such as meal times being later than in the U.S., a relaxed attitude towards punctuality, and a strong coffee culture emphasizing leisurely socializing.
The challenge of implementing a slower lifestyle upon returning to the U.S. and transitioning back to life in Texas.
Processing the results of the trip and her team’s expectations not being fulfilled on the trip
How the trip impacted her spiritually, emphasizing learning to appreciate the "ministry of presence" and trusting in God's timing rather than focusing solely on visible outcomes..

Lily Richardson is a recent graduate from Texas, having completed her degree in allied health with aspirations to further her education in nursing. Originally from Texas, she studied in California at Azusa Pacific University. Her passion for cross-cultural experiences has led her to embark on two significant trips, including her latest to Greece with a group of eight girls from her school.
During her Greece trip, she found profound meaning in sitting with people and listening to them as a form of ministry, a lesson she cherishes and aims to apply in her daily life. Lily's journey has not only broadened her cultural horizons but also deepened her spiritual understanding. She reflects on how God works through simple acts of presence and listening, both during and after her travels. Lily's plans include further engagement in cross-cultural service, potentially in nursing or related medical fields, while also grounding herself in her local community through church involvement and service. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural service and the lasting impact it can have on personal growth and faith.
Introduction and Meet Lily
Hello. Today, we are here with Lily and we're very excited to hear about her trip, but I'm going to first let her introduce herself. So, Lily, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello everybody, my name is Lily Richardson. I was born and bred in Texas and I went to school in California, but I recently graduated with a degree in allied health and I'm hoping to pursue further schooling in nursing.

That's awesome. Congratulations on graduating.

Lily's Greece Trip Overview
so let's just talk about the trip quickly. Let's get to the basics. Um, when and where did you go and who did you go with?

So When and where? I went to Greece for three weeks at the beginning of May, two days after graduation, I went with a group of eight girls from the school that I just graduated from, Azusa Pacific.

That's so cool. So were they girls that you knew and like went through college with or was it kind of a new slate and you had to get to know them?

They're one of the girls I had gone on a trip to Korea with the year prior, and then one of the girls was my roommate and teammate. That I've known for four years and then my co-lead and pretty much everybody else I'm trying to think to make sure so I don't offend anybody. Um, Everybody else. Yeah, it was new and we did like a little interview and they had to apply to um, Apply to these specific teams and then we did interviews and then selected them, and then there was like a whole placement process It was a whole thing

Fun. So this wasn't your first trip. You've done a trip to Korea and then was this your second trip?

Yes, this is my second trip.

Nice. What was one of your favorite moments from the Greece trip?

I don't feel like I'm like a girl's girl. If like you understand, you understand, but I think it was so special to go on a team of all eight girls, and like coming home at the end of the day, whether it was like a really easy, not easy, none of the days were easy, but like. Like a seamless day or like a hard day to come home to each other and sit around and like debrief it or have dinner together or talk about Wherever the wind takes us and play like banana grams or whatever. I think that was tender every day and um really really miss it now

That's awesome. I think that It's a different experience to go with either all girls or all guys and, um, most of the time it pays off, which is nice. And you mentioned how, you know, sometimes there's things to process, or there has to be things to talk about.

Cultural Experiences in Greece
You are going to a different culture, a different space, and understanding how people live differently. So what were three new things you experienced from the Greek culture?

One of the things which we learned this, like, our first night in Athens was that everything happens, like, two hours after our, like, normal in the States. So, like, dinner's not happening until, like, 9 p.m. or later. Or, um, like, people don't wake up until, like, noon or after. That is, like, what they were telling us. Or like, go to bed until like, 3 am. And so that was an adjustment to see that we had to make once we got there. That like, okay, like, we need to bring snacks, or we need to just like, make sure that we got all our stuff together so that like, we're on their time. Cause we're like, stepping into their culture. Another thing is that you can show up late to everything. And it's like normal or anticipated, which is very interesting coming from like Western culture where it's like, busy, busy, busy, work, work, work, like, you need to be on time and be punctual and stuff like that. So I think that was very interesting. If you have like a type A personality, which I probably lean more towards, adjusting and just feeling like, okay, like, It's okay if we're not there right when they say we need to be there and they are not going to be mad at me or they're not going to be disappointed. So I think that was interesting. then lastly, I would say that it's like a very big coffee culture and like sitting and like taking your time to like get to know people and just sit around the table with them. I would say that that comes with Being in no rush and like the other things that I mentioned because could be at a dinner and it could last three or more hours, and like in the States we would be like okay I've got places to be or I want to go get in bed and like watch Netflix but we just got to sit there and get to know each other and talk with one another and there was no rush like there was no better place that we could have been than with each other.

Yeah, I want to talk about that a little bit.

Adjusting to Greek Lifestyle
You mentioned it, we are a very rushed, westernized culture and we're on time and we structure our lives based on time. The adjustment in Greece where it's slower paced and we're not too concerned about being on time. Was that something that you enjoyed and you were like, I want to practice this. You mentioned that, you know, you might be at slightly type A. And so it was a bit of an adjustment and it was hard to adjust and change. But once you got used to it, was it something that you were like, I enjoy this?

Yeah, I honestly made it seem like it was more of an adjustment for me than it was. It was not that hard for me to adjust at all. Usually, I'm pretty like, okay, this is what's happening and we're just gonna go with it. And I've been thinking about it a lot recently how there's a lot of stuff that I wanted to bring back from this trip. I've been home for probably A little over a month now, and I was getting hard on myself about what I have or have not done since coming back. but something that I want to bring back, but it's hard because, in this culture specifically, not everybody's on board with it, and everybody has plans, and everybody has they're set ways and also moving back home to Texas right after graduation. That's an adjustment in and of itself. So, hasn't been something that I've implemented, but looking forward to that.

Yeah, for sure. Yeah. Got to get used to life.

Life with the parents.

That's an adjustment, for sure. That's a big adjustment. Yes, it's crazy. Yes, for sure. Well, you've, you know, processed this trip and understood how it's impacted you a little bit.

Spiritual Reflections Post-Trip
So I want to talk about that, um, and unpack that a bit. There's no question that through these trips, God works and moves in different ways even after trips. Now that you've processed this trip, how has God been at work since this trip as a result of your experience?

I would say I learned a lot from the One Collective team when I was in Greece about the beauty and how God works just by sitting with people and listening to them. So that's been something that I've tried to implement in coming back and I've been able to see like, like him working in conversations where you're just sitting there without like expecting anything from anybody. That's something that I've been able to do since being home, and also just being okay with not having the next step and just here with the slower pace of life, um, post-grad plans, really just trying to figure it out, so obviously want answers and what that's going to look like, but it's required for me to just sit and have my hands open and just wait for God to do his thing and take it where he wants.

Yeah. Which is incredibly difficult, but we're trying our best for sure.

Yeah. One of the other students I interviewed talked about how this trip. Showed them the ministry of presence and I think that's a really powerful way to Say it just sitting with someone is just as much a ministry experience Because I think a lot of people go on mission trips And think that they're gonna do a bunch of stuff or work on a house or pick up sticks was, that was something that you wrestled with?

we had to adjust to definitely as a team with this trip. Yeah, because was it more of the stuff you did on the side of just being present with people and having conversations, or was it a mix of kind of both work and Sitting? It was very interesting because I feel like we worked with a different organization nearly every day, and it is beautiful to see how one collective is spread throughout Athens and just seeking opportunities to serve. I think it was, um, an adjustment for people who had been on trips who had been very physical or like labor intensive where they are building a house and they are getting to see results by the end of the day, essentially, to be doing a lot of ministries that was for us, it looked like going to the beach and having a beach day with from the refugee camps or, um, playing games with girls from the refugee camps or going to an art class or working with In a bookstore, or stuff like that. There was like, a couple of times, we worked with an organization called Petaluda and it was like, organizing their stuff, organizing their donations that they had received. Which they weren't going to be able to do on their own, but because like, we had that time to go and help them. Like, they were able to get it done, because eight girls like, That's what we're here to do. And then we like played soccer with the kids or helped with English classes. So I think There was somewhat of a balance of both but more of like the relational ministry where you're you're not seeing the results Like you're not seeing how the seed is being developed over time

Yeah, and that's difficult, I think, especially for us Westerners who want to see the results. Was that something that you guys processed together like, the results of doing work in the field? Talk to me a little bit about that.

It was funny because we had had We were doing a debrief at dinner one day after the Working with Petaluda. People had brought up that, kind of difficult to not see the results by the end of the day. Once you get a taste of it. Or that maybe the trip didn't look like they had imagined it would look. But then, the next day, we had a Devo with, um, one of our hosts, Kindle, and, um, was talking about the beauty of just like sitting with one another and how like that's glorifying to God, sitting in each other's presence over a cup of tea. And so I think that was just like all perfect in God's timing because he was like, we're just going to flip that switch and that's not how you should be thinking. Like you're, you're minimizing what I can do and putting me in a box by saying need to be doing this work over this work, or, you know what I mean?

Yeah, no, I love that. I love that that was a takeaway and I think that's a powerful understanding that not a lot of people always have when they go to do trips like this. Um, speaking of people who go to do trips like this, I want to shift the conversation into talking about other people who have signed up for trips.

Advice for Future Travelers
As someone who has gone, um, on not one, but two, what advice would you have for someone who has signed up for a trip? How should they prepare?

I think it's important to prepare yourself to go in with open hands. And that, like, cause I would say in both of my trips, like, we had kind of, We didn't get a schedule for Greece until like very last minute. And then we didn't get a schedule for Korea also, I feel like last minute, but probably a little ahead of time. But even once you get a schedule, like don't look at it, and don't expect anything from it because things change and God moves in the change. And I think that it's important to see not hold tightly to your expectations because God is lying everywhere else. Like, he will be there. And that you're not bringing Jesus there, Jesus is already working there, is another thing that I noticed. And, and, that, um, just because you're not dead tired by the end of the day, um, doesn't mean that the work you're doing is, is not helpful, is not the Lord's work in any capacity, or way, shape, or form. You are still doing the Lord's work even if you're not tired by the end of the day.

I love that. Yes. I think those are very unique takeaways, but they are spoken from someone who has gone through this I think those are good takeaways for someone to listen to as they, as they go on a trip. So a beautiful perspective.

Future Plans and Conclusion
the last question I have for you is what will cross-cultural service look like for you in the future?

I would love, I would love to go on another trip. I think God's gonna do what God's gonna do. But, I would love to first get plugged into a church at home. And, um, started serving in a community here. then I would love to go out and serve again in a different culture because I think I was able to learn so much and have my eyes opened up so much to the ways that the Lord is moving in cultures with different language barriers and different people yeah, I think I'll go on another trip at some point in my life. And. With going into nursing, I would love to go on another or go on a trip that has to do with nursing or something in the medical field as, as well. But yes, definitely open-minded or open to going on another trip.

Yeah, we love to hear that. We'd love to have you back. Um, I and also love to plug you into some nursing opportunities because I know that those are available. Um, but yeah, um, amazing. I love it. Well, thank you so much for joining us. We loved hearing your story and loved hearing the thoughts you had and how you have processed this trip.

I think this will help future short-term team workers as they prepare for trips that they go on. And as always, this is a testament to God's work through you and God's work in the world. So thank you so much again, and I hope you have a great day. Bye.

Thank you for having Me.

One Collective 7/31/24 One Collective 7/31/24

Crosswalks and Callings: Kaylie's Journey Back to Spain

Kaylie shares her experience of a trip to Spain, where she had previously lived. She went with a small group and had the opportunity to introduce her friends to the Spanish culture. Some new experiences for them included the crosswalks and the healthy lifestyle of walking and biking everywhere. One of Kaylie's favorite moments from the trip was helping a homeless pilgrim return home. The trip taught her the importance of the ministry of presence and being patient. As a result of the trip, Kaylie feels called to do missions in some form and will be working locally in Azusa. She also hopes to go on another trip in the future.

Episode 7 | 12 Minutes | Jul 31, 2024

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In this Episode:

Background as a missionary kid who spent significant time in Spain and the Philippines.

Highlights the Spanish cultural traits like relaxed mornings and pedestrian-friendly cities.
Kaylee recalls a touching moment when they helped a homeless pilgrim return home from Santiago.
Kaylee shares insights on the ministry of presence and learning patience during the trip.

Kaylee is a sophomore at APU, majoring in biology and honors humanity. She's a missionary kid who spent significant time in Spain and the Philippines. Her recent trip to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with a small group was a return to familiar ground where she immersed her friends in Spanish culture, highlighting differences like the casual attitude towards crosswalks and the emphasis on healthy living through walking and biking. One of her most cherished moments was assisting a homeless pilgrim's return home, which deepened her understanding of the ministry of presence and patience. Inspired by her experiences, Kaylee feels called to engage in missions and will be interning locally in Azusa while considering future trips and opportunities abroad. Her reflections underscore the spiritual growth and cultural insights gained from her travels.
Introduction to Kaylee
All right today we are here with Kaylee So Kaylee tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm going to be a sophomore at APU. I am majoring in biology and honors humanity there. Um, am a missionary kid. I grew up in Spain for about six years and then also in the Philippines for two years. Um, yeah.

Details of the Spain Trip
I love it. So you have you already have some cross-cultural experiences. I love that so we're just going to start off talking about your trip Talk a little bit about when you went and who you went with and where you went

Yeah, um, so I went from May 12th to May 26th. were in Santiago de Compostela, which is in the northwestern part of Spain. I went with Heather Buck and I can't remember her last name. Yeah, it was, it was, it was nice. I love being back in Spain all the cultural stuff.

Yeah, that's so cool. So you have already been to Spain. Um, talk a little bit about the people you went with. Did you go with like a small group? Like, were you able to introduce them to like this, the Spain area? Or was it kind of a new place where you, um, experienced it all together?

Yeah, I've been to Spain already. The people that I went, it were a really small group. There were only three of us that were going. Our fourth person that was supposed to come um, decided not to come like three days before we left. Uh, and then we also had a different Spain team there with us that kind of met up in the middle, of both of our trips. Um, but it was mostly the three of us, but the two weeks we were there. And, yeah, I kind of introduced that culture to them a little bit. Had them figure it out by themselves, obviously, but like, when little cultural things that we don't or take notice of right away. I was like, Oh yeah, they do this here instead.

Yeah, no, that's awesome.

Cultural Differences and Observations
I think we've been talking about how we experience new cultures. Um, and so as. One of the questions I have for you is what were some new things you experienced from the culture? It's different than a Westernized culture, um, and I think you have a different perspective because you have seen this culture differently before, but what were some things that you had to teach your friends and the people you went on this trip with? Like, oh, that, that is normal in this, um, Hispanic culture and not in a Westernized culture. What were some things that kind of caught them off guard?

I think the big thing that comes to mind right now is crosswalks. If they're like, you just have to stop for you no matter what. Um, even if there's a light or not. And I think the big thing there in Spain is just how healthy of a culture they are. They walk everywhere. They ride bikes everywhere. They don't like to have an early morning, Spanish culture goes to bed way later and they just have like, a slow morning. They probably get up around nine or ten, go have coffee, and then go to work. It's a very very calm area.

Yeah. Sounds amazing and perfect and I wish we had that here. Um, was, was there anything new that you experienced? Like, had you been to this city in Spain before?

No, I have not. It's a very different area. different from Madrid. I lived in Madrid. We were in, um, Galicia, which they kind of want to be their own separate country from Spain. they don't speak Spanish. They speak Galegan, which is, it sounds like Spanish, but you get frustrated trying to understand it if you only speak Spanish. Um, yeah, it, I mean, obviously, like, they're still Spanish. They still have, like, the same culture, but there's, you know, a couple of different things there.

Yeah, that's awesome. That's so cool.

Memorable Moments from the Trip
I want to go back to the trip a little bit and talk about simply just what was one of your favorite moments from the trip from the two weeks you were there. What's one memory or moment where you know that that will stick with you for the rest of your life?

Yeah, one of the last days we were there, we had funds set aside to send a homeless pilgrim back home. Um, in Spain, there's a trail called the Camino de Santiago, and it takes about a month or a month and a half to travel. It starts at the bottom of France and goes and ends in Santiago. I think he traveled The Camino in hopes of going to Santiago starting a job and earning the money to go back, but he ended up not being able to. And we had, we used those funds to be able to get him a bus ticket and send him back home. And we happened to be there on the day that, he was going back home. Um, so another one of my teammates and I went to the mall and got him some clothes, some toiletries, like a blanket and pillow. and just like being able to see the joy on his face to be able to go back home to his brother. It was, it was just like a God moment.

Yeah, that's so beautiful. I think that's an amazing story. Wow, that that's so cool.

Spiritual Reflections and Lessons
So moving from that powerful moment, I also want to talk about the spirituality of these trips and how we see God work and move. And so how has God kind of been working in you since the trip as a result of your experience?

I think God has taught me a lot on the trip. We were there. It was very much the ministry of presence. We listened to a lot of people's stories. We listened to the culture there for the majority of the trip. Um, and I think that was a little difficult for me because I wanted to do something. I wanted to like be given a task to take off their agenda. But God taught me like be patient like you just being here is good.

Yeah, the Ministry of Presence. Going to be a bumper sticker one day. I love that. And I think a lot of people go on these trips expecting to do so much when sometimes you don't do a lot and it's just as powerful and I think that's super cool.

Future Plans and Advice for New Travelers
so now after the trip, now that you've kind of recovered and recuperated and processed it all, um, what is something that you is there something that, like, do you want to keep practicing, um, is there something else that you took from the trip that you're trying to implement in your own life?

I think God wants me to do missions in some shape or form Um, so after this next school year I'm going to be working with that office Um that sent us out and just working locally in Azusa and being like an intern in the office It's called local engagement where like you're a missionary in azusa basically where we live yeah, and I think definitely during the trip, I was wondering if God wanted me to send me overseas and if Spain was still in the equation of me going somewhere, um, if I wanted to be. An intern in Spain. It's just something that I'm going with the flow and just waiting for God to be like, yes, do this.

Yeah, that's awesome. I love that you're getting more involved. Do you see yourself going on a trip in the future or doing more work behind the scenes in kind of administrative, like, in your internship?

I think I see both this next year. I don't think I'm going to do a trip, especially with just how, heavy my workload is, um, with two jobs and being a full-time student. Um, but maybe in my junior year, I might go.

Yes, That's amazing. Do you ever see yourself going somewhere different than Spain or would you want to kind of stick to Spain?

I do. I think opening up to different options. I think I might go on a trip that's there for longer. I thought two weeks was a little short. Um, wanted to stay there for a little, like a week longer.

We love to hear that. That is amazing. We love that so many people want to keep coming back and stay for longer. We love that. Um, the other question I have is about those who are now getting involved in these trips. You were once, um, trying this for the first time, doing this for the first time. And so those who are going on a trip or have signed up for a trip, what advice would you give to them? How should they prepare for trips like this?

I mean, you are going to be with your teammates 24 seven. Um, whatever alone time you can get, take it. Like you are going to want that alone time. Um, And just to be with God and journaling. I'm not a big journaler, but I like being able to write down like what I did that day, um, and all that because then I could actually share with people and just remember what, like, happened? And just like in detail. Mm-Hmm.

Yeah, a lot of people had mentioned journaling as a way to process the trip and understand the trip Tell me a little bit more about like why it's so important to process this experience and to remember this experience

I think as you, as like the weeks go on after your trip, you forget those little details and you're like, oh, I remembered. Like that event, like every little second of it. Cause I mean, I have those memories where I'm like, Oh, I wish I wrote down everything about it. Um, and then I can go back and look like, Oh yeah, that's what we did. Or, Oh yeah, that, that was cool. I forgot about that.

Yeah, that's super cool. And did you share this journal or those memories with other people?

there was a group, a women's group that supported me. Um, I went and shared in one of their meetings and I brought my journal with me and was able to like, share a little bit. A couple of the events with me there just like when I was preparing to speak to them. I was like, okay, I'll talk about this Oh, yeah, I'll talk about this part, and it just like they came back to me.

I love that. That's so cool. Got to relive the moment.

Technology and Communication During the Trip
What is the technology like? Like when you guys are there, you guys like off your phones the whole time. Like, what does that look like?

spain's pretty much like a very developed country. It's it's very much. Um, Not like America, but technology-wise like America um, they're not like You They're, they're way more active and, I mean, we were on our phones, we were taking pictures. We, if we needed to message our hosts, we messaged them. If we needed to message each other, we messaged them. Um, since, uh, my parents went to Spain like a week before I did, uh, I was able to get a phone plan there. And so did my host, and I think all three of us had a phone plan there. So it was pretty easy to just access our phones.

Amazing. Did you ever use it to translate, or did you guys have a translator?

We did, but like I knew enough Spaniards since living in Spain to be able to get around,

that's fair. I love it.

Building Relationships and Final Thoughts
the last question I have for you is just. Um, what's one relationship that you, uh, got from this trip? Someone that you bonded close with or someone that, um, you have just a really good connection with? What is one person, one relationship that you will look back fondly from this really, from this trip?

Yeah, um, so we, uh, there was a pilgrim house where, like, at the end of the trail, if any Americans, like, it was usually Americans who came in or people who spoke English, um, but an intern was working there. She was from the States. She was there for three months. Um, and she just wanted to hang out with us more. She was more. Involved with the other Spain team, um, but she made the effort to come and hang out with our team and Um, I got to have a one-on-one with her and we shared our testimonies Yeah, she was a really sweet girl.

I love it. That's amazing. I'm so glad you had such a positive experience, and you have a lot of great thoughts, clearly have processed this trip and understood it, um, and had such a good experience that hopefully you'll return and come back, which we here. So thank you so much for joining us. We loved hearing your story and hearing, um, how you have, um, experienced this trip and experienced it well. And I'm sure this will help future short-term team workers as they prepare to go into the field. And ultimately, it's always a testament to who God is and how he's worked through the world. So thank you so much, and we will talk to another person soon. Bye!

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