Written by: Esther.M and Jayde.H

This year the 2024 Missions team embarked on a transformative adventure to the beautiful country, Vanuatu, where we said hello to a country where smiles met every corner of our day, to a place that embraced their culture and loved God with all their heart. Landing in Port Villa, we were nervous because we would be in a new country entirely, but the nerves didn’t last long because soon we were welcomed by the community that became our family in such a short period of time.  We were introduced into their church, homes and schools where we would connect and make meaningful relationships with each and every person. The team was blessed to be able to travel to an island outside of Port Villa, Nguna island where their small community gave up their home and their beds to give us the opportunity to be able to stay with them for three beautiful days that we will never forget. The island was incredible, the sun beamed over the papaya trees while kids were running around the beach holding the biggest seashells. Every afternoon while the sun went the down and the sky looked like a painting, we would swim in the blue waters taking in the coral reefs and tinted sky, we would be soaking wet and getting eaten by mosquitos but that didn’t stop us from playing an exciting game of volleyball with all the people on the island. Every night we took the opportunity to play an intense game of duck duck goose with the bonfire running and all the people on the island were so happy to join. Each morning, we would wake up to the sounds of waves and a sun rise over the island trees. This place was surreal. It was an honour to be a part of their world. Once we were back in Port Villa, we hit reset and at the start of the next week, we travelled to the Black Sands community to the small, lively, Victory School of Hope, where we would each have a year level to teach and guide and connect with. Every one of the kids were so filled with love and energy. There was something so unique about each one of them and in the short amount of time we had with them it felt like a forever connection. We played games, learnt new things, danced, sung and hung onto every little one until our last goodbyes. To be a part of this beautiful country was something else, an experience that felt like a dream. Our team was truly changed after this trip. We are so grateful to be able to have had this experience and we didn’t only make connections with the people in Vanuatu, but we made connections with each other, each one of the beautiful people on that trip has something special to offer and we are so grateful to be able to learn more about them. But most of all we are so grateful that we were given the opportunity to go to another world all together and experience such life in a country, a vibrant community and meet people that had a genuine love was something we all will never forget.