Baja Bound Mission Trip by Mackenzie

Mackenzie's entry into Varsity Tutor's April 2022 scholarship contest

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Baja Bound Mission Trip by Mackenzie - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

I will never forget looking down at my knees to feel tiny hands around my legs, a warm current rushed through my body. Marisol, a barefooted 5-year-old Mexican little girl dressed in tight toddler clothes with mud all over her face, her smile outshining the dirt. I look over at her current house, a hut compiled out of soggy cardboard with a large black tarp draping over as a roof leaned over. She wouldn't let go of me as I held onto the hammer and began carefully banging a sleek silver nail on a piece of long splintered wood.

In 2020 and 2022, I had the opportunity to build a total of three homes for in-need families in the city of Ensenada, Mexico. We physically worked on the homes from the morning until the sun began to go down. We laid out the foundation on the first day, hammered nails in the framework, and painted pieces of wood, while also having the opportunity to bond with the neighborhood kids. In my second year on the trip, I was appointed as a house leader. The role entailed me directing my group of students to different tasks around the build. I had the opportunity to dedicate the finished home to the family. I also had the opportunity to lead the student in devotions. From this position, I learned how to become an interactive leader. I built meaningful relationships despite the age gaps.
However, throughout the trip, there were times when I wanted to give up, my hands ached, I was too tired, and I spilled blood from misusing tools.

However, the minor inconveniences made up for the blessing the families were going to receive. On the ride home, I valued what I already had in my life, becoming grateful and content. I also realized any inconvenience that I encountered could not account for what the families of Ensenada went through before receiving their new house. Overall, the service trip was a humbling experience. I got out of my comfort zone to impact the lives of others that were in need.

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