Many of you are deciding whether to join us this year. Here are some thoughts that might help you make the decision.
Everyone has gifts to share! This is a wonderful way to use them. Although the trip is challenging at times, we learn so much and benefit from the trip spiritually, personally, and culturally. I think I’m a better parent when I return from Campamento. The picture above is a 6 year old doing her morning chores – mopping. Do you think my kids mop at home? Well they do after camp! It’s great because the kids contribute to family life and learn how to take care of a home themselves. Every girl in the hogar has chores to do. They feel like a valuable member of the family. They accomplish something themselves. Wow!
Your Own Goals
If you are interested in taking this trip or contributing in another way, please think about what you’d like to get from the trip.
Walk with Us in Our Search
Help us discover our own riches; Don’t judge us poor
because we lack what you have. Help us discover our chains; Don’t judge us slaves
by the type of shackles you wear. Be patient with us as a people; Don’t judge us backward simply
because we don’t follow your stride. Be patient with our pace; Don’t judge us lazy simply
because we can’t follow your tempo. Be patient with our symbols; Don’t judge us ignorant
because we can’t read your signs. Be with us and proclaim the richness of your life
which you can share with us. Be with us and be open to what we can give. Be with us as a companion who walks with us neither
behind nor in front in our search for life and
ultimately for God!
Written by Bishop Bienvenido S Tudtud Prelature of Marawi,Lanao del Sur, Philippines
“I have realized that mission trips give us the opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and out of our seemingly ‘busy’ lives to reach out to others and discover another dimension of life.” Ami Peacock Florida/Mission Trip to Dominican Republic
Questions for you, the traveler or volunteer:
Why are you thinking of doing this?
What is your purpose in going?
What are your hopes and dreams for this journey?
How do you feel about traveling so far from home?
What might it mean to you to offer a hand, not a handout?
How do you think you would receive a hand on your shoulder?
Whose needs are you meeting?
How will your needs be met by this venture?
How do you respond when things veer away from a plan? Do you get upset or do you roll with the punches?
How will you contribute to the trip? Do you have specific talents, experience, or career you can share?
Campamento 2023 
We knew since Joni was in middle school that we wanted to do this trip. It was only just a question of when. It’s a great example of women empowering young girls. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, the girls sense your love and excitement. I have never felt closer to God than sitting in prayer circle with the SIsters, the girls and my fellow travelers.
About 6 years ago, I read the church bulletin on the way home from mass and noticed the paragraph describing the Teresa Toda trip. When my husband and I got home, he turned to me and said, “I bet you’d like to go on this trip.” I had not said a word to him about my interest in it, but I must have been giving off some energy that led him to believe that! I had been looking for a way to deepen my faith and step outside the box. This trip did just that. I spoke no Spanish the first trip and everything was new and a bit nerve wracking but soon after arriving and spending time with the girls, I knew it was one of the best decisions in life I’ve ever made. I have travelled to the DR 3 times now and each time is a new and exciting experience that I’m grateful to be a part of. Please join us! Lizanne Ham