My trip with RLC to Slovakia in 2016 was something I will remember forever. I learned so much about myself, the world, and my faith.  As I spoke with people who live so far away and who have such different experiences than me, I saw that we share the same faith. From worshipping in a local church service to playing with the kids at the orphanage, all I felt was hope and peace as I saw God at work in every nook and cranny. 

One day, we took a hike up to a beautiful waterfall. As we stood underneath it, the roaring fresh, pure water was ice cold on our backs.  I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and connection. I thought of Camp Hiawatha back in Minnesota where we would always talk about God’s great northwoods.  In that moment, under that waterfall in Slovakia, I realized we were still in God’s great northwoods, even though we were thousands of miles away. 

That service learning trip taught me that God’s love and grace reaches across oceans and cultures to bless all of humankind. This summer I am eager to go back to Slovakia to reconnect with all of the friends I have made there and to see the Slovaks my family has hosted in our home. I am excited to serve the school and community.  These people have sunk deep in my heart with their rich and God-filled history. The nature, people, atmosphere, and church are the biggest driving forces that are pulling me back to such an amazing place. 

Chris Martell, RAHS senior