In January, seven Walla Walla University students traveled to Baja California, Mexico, to support a children’s village and gain exposure to international missions. The WWU students were invited to participate by Loma Linda University student international missions (LLU SIMS), who sponsored the trip. 

Visiting the children’s village in Baja California offered students an introduction to what living a life of service can look like. Working with LLU SIMS–who visits the location twice per month to facilitate continuing projects–gave students exposure to the nature of ongoing service work. “The experience was truly impactful,” said Elizabeth Hernandez, senior business major. “It allowed me to create meaningful connections with the mothers from Casa Esperanza and spread love and joy to the children.” 

Students engaged in a wide variety of work during the trip including food and clothing distribution, game night facilitation, and volunteer work at the women’s and children’s rescue center. At the rescue center, WWU students organized programs for the children to allow their mothers and social workers to have a workshop. Before leaving, the group had the opportunity to celebrate a number of children who had birthdays in January. 

Joining forces with mission teams from LLU’s Gateway College and La Sierra University helped the WWU students gain additional collaboration skills during their trip. “It was valuable to get a taste of missions but also to interact with students from other colleges and universities who value service,” said David Lopez, director for the Center of Humanitarian Engagement. “Some strong friendships were made over service and taco runs.”

Find out more about both short and long term mission trips available to WWU students by visiting wallawalla.edu/student-missions. 

Posted Feb. 1, 2024