From Comfort to Growth, Abby's Story
My name is Abby, I went to Hampton Beach during the summer of 2021, and I attend West Chester University.
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My decision to go on a summer mission was full of ups and downs. I had been interested in the idea of going on a Cru summer mission, but I was always hesitant. The thought really holding me back was that I had to be a “perfect Christian” to go on summer mission.
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I had friends who went on summer mission in years past, so I was encouraged knowing that summer mission wasn’t only for “perfect Christians.” In fact summer mission was a place to grow in my own relationship with God and learn how to share my faith with other people.
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I always heard that summer mission was going to be the hardest, but most rewarding summer I’ve ever had. Years ago, I probably would have heard the words “hardest summer ever” and I would’ve run in another direction. Coming out of a year confined to my home where I saw the same roommates, and had the same daily routine, I was looking for a challenge, something to get me outside of my comfort zone.
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During the beginning of 2021, I really started to consider summer mission as a possibility. I felt God calling me to summer mission to share my faith in bold ways. A constant reminder I had on repeat in my head was “embrace the discomfort.” I am a shy and introverted person. Everything about my personality told me not to go on summer mission. However, I knew God had the power to change my attitude towards leaving home for 10 weeks, so I said yes!
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I am so thankful for the friends in my life that pushed me to take a leap and go to Hampton Beach. My friends were right, my summer on mission was the hardest but most rewarding summer I have ever had. I am so thankful for everything I experienced over 10 weeks on mission, and I am so thankful I took a leap of faith to go on summer mission with Cru.