Every year, Goodpasture hosts mission trips to give their students an opportunity to serve communities. These trips hold the opportunity to travel to different countries to help those in need. Goodpasture’s Jamaica trip is just around the corner.
“This year, we will be building a home for a man who recently lost his in a fire,” English Teacher Carmen McConnell said. “He worked his business out of his home, so he is in great need of it.”
English teachers Mrs. Carmen McConnell and Mrs. Becky Boyd will be leading and supervising the trip. This excursion is Mrs. Boyd’s first year attending, but Mrs. McConnell has been leading and attending for three years.
“I started leading this trip because my husband went with my oldest son, Lofton,” Mrs. McConnell explained. “They fell in love with the people of Jamaica and felt pulled to serve them.”
There are many students attending this year’s trip, including some coming back for their second or third year. These students are: Levi McConnell, Anne Michael Cottrell, Enyia McGinister, Landon McConnell, Cole Simpson, Cooper Howell, Nicholas Graham, Bradley Towe, Ty Fleak, Oliver Dixon, Kate Stephens, Sophia Moser, Rachel Denman, Alana Alexander, and Madelyn Barrett.
“Landon has gone with us for two years, and he loves the mission trip,” Mrs. McConnell said. “I stepped in to lead so that I could go with my family and serve.”
This mission trip provides students with not only the opportunity to serve, but also the ability to bond with the people on the trip.
“I love building relationships with my students outside of the classroom,” shared Mrs. McConnell. “I love seeing them serve others selflessly. I love the sun and the sea and the people of Jamaica.”
There are several different reasons these students decided to go on this mission trip.
“This is my first time going on this trip. I am going on this trip because I love to travel and go on mission trips,” said senior Madelyn Barrett. “I love to help people that are less fortunate, even if it’s only for a week because the smallest service could impact their entire life. I think it’s really special to be a part of that. It also helps me to grow in my faith because I will be around so many God-focused people.”
Even though it is some students and teachers first year, there are many things they’re looking forward to and many goals they want to accomplish there.
“I’m looking forward to helping build and playing with the children. I hope to do whatever I’m called to do to make a positive difference,” Mrs. Boyd said. “I’m going because I love doing mission work—I’ve been to City of Children a few times—and when Mrs. McConnell asked me to go, I was super excited to work with this group of students.”
Through March 12-18, these teachers and the group of students will be travelling to Jamaica to participate in many different projects, focusing on those who are in great or urgent need.
