Presummer Letter: Experience More - Discomfort

Written by:
Camryn Croley

I want you to be uncomfortable.

That’s right. You read that correctly.

Among the many things I want you to experience this summer is discomfort.

And not because I particularly enjoy discomfort (because I don't), but because I believe there are things about God, the world, and yourself that you may not discover if you don’t experience a certain measure of discomfort on this summer’s mission trip.

Your trip this summer is going to be exciting for sure! You’re going to have a blast traveling the world, exploring new and different cultures, making incredible friendships, and serving Jesus all at the same time. Talk about an adventure! There’s going to be a lot of fun to be had this summer. I hope you’re just as excited about that as I am.

But I also want you to be realistic; there are going to be circumstances that will stretch you, test you, and in some instances, make you look at yourself – your relationships, responses to challenges, and priorities - in a way you may not have before. And, if you let Christ into the situation, in a good way!

So I hope this summer is not going to be easy. Or be comfortable.

Because after a dozen of mission trips (I started as a student in 2006), God has shown me what a beautiful thing that can be.

For it’s in that place, where we’ve come to the end of ourselves, that we find that the only One who can truly heal us, save us, and transform us is Jesus the Christ.

I have confidence that because of whatever discomfort that comes to you this summer, you will return home a changed individual. I hope you’ll allow the discomfort you are going to face on your mission trip result in life change. And that you let your heart learn how to break for the things that break God’s heart, returning home to live a life with meaning and point.

Therefore, my prayer for you this summer is that you experience and embrace discomfort, and all the good things that will come from it.

Important Information