Students were invited to join QU Campus Ministry to ride to Biloxi, Mississippi, to help people in an assortment of ways. The 19 students bonded together over funny stories, musical interests, and sharing some of their personal lives on the long trip to Biloxi.

Upon arriving at Biloxi, members of the mission trip stayed at the Biloxi First Baptist Church for bed and breakfast. They were greeted by their host, Ken Wetzel, founder and leader of New Life Disaster Relief, and his family.

On the first day, members split into two groups. One group assisted an elderly couple paint their entire house, the other group assisted Pastor Paul Peresich build a deck for a widow.

Afterward, members regrouped at the Maritime Museum by the Gulf of Mexico, where they looked at many exhibits of boats and naval equipment on display.

Next day, members helped wrap a large supply of donated gifts for a local church in Louisiana. The local church would later host a Christmas party where the gifts were later given to children in need. Soon after helping wrap gifts, the members then took a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. There they enjoyed wonderful architecture, food, and music. Members also bought quite a few souvenirs while there, such as ornate masks, expressive t–shirts and flashy socks.

One morning, members attended service at the Saint Micheals Catholic Church, dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen. Members were able tour the church after the service, guided by the priest who led the service.

“I liked that I was able to connect with more people from campus. I helped build a deck, we helped a church organization over in Louisiana, wrapping their local kids’ Christmas gifts. That was really fun,” Annie O’Dear, freshman, said. “I learned that growing closer into my faith really helps shape the person that I was able to be while serving others in a different community.”

“My favorite part would probably be getting to know everyone and getting along with everyone. We helped an old couple paint their house,” Joseph Del Rosario, freshman, said. “It was really nice because it looked completely different after and it was really cool to see like what people do when they help, like how much can change. Learning how much of an impact you can leave on someone by just lending a helping hand.”

On the last day, members bought and wrapped gifts for the Adopt–A–Child program. When everyone was gathered, the night was a raucous and joyous night for all involved. Afterward, everyone gathered around a bonfire and were treated to a story from Ethan Ensinger around green golf balls that a family’s son kept giving away, no matter how much his parents gave him. The conclusion to the story was a real shock to everyone.

“I liked the way we all seemed to bond in a really special way. I think the fact that we are all coming together around, like, giving of ourselves, made us united in a really special way,” Jessica Howell, director of Campus Ministry, said. “I learned that Christ is present in everybody, it felt very tangible this week. Somebody was saying during our reflection, she did not really expect much out of this trip, but she got way more than she expected, and I think if you asked other people, they would say the same. That’s how it often is, especially with the Biloxi trip.”

People who are interested in going on the next mission trip should keep close attention to social media posts and flyers, and keep their schedule open in early December.