thread starter aznseal Sep 08 2009
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 | When the word �vacation� is mentioned, what do you think about? Most people think about having a good time. Back breaking labor is usually not one of the things that come to mind, but for me, it is exactly what I think about when I reminisce about the most enjoyable summer vacation I have ever had. I moved to Alabama at the start of my eighth grade year. When I first moved here, I had trouble fitting in. People would listen to the way I talked and make fun of my northern accent. I did not know about sweet tea, the Alabama-Auburn rivalry, or any of the other important cultural icons. I had different political views with the majority of my school. I was just different from everyone else. I have always been labeled as a Christian. I would go to church on Sundays and go through the biblical motions. I did not understand the reason behind all of the actions, such as praying or singing; I just did them. I truly understood what it meant to be a Christian and serve others when I moved to Birmingham, AL from Chicago, IL. My parents decided to take me to Birmingham Christian Chinese Church one Sunday and I instantly fell in love. I met people that had the same cultural background as me (not Illinois, but China), the same interests, and most importantly, the same beliefs. I got plugged into the Boys� Youth Group and that is where I started my spiritual journey. I started getting a deeper understanding of god while making new friends. I also attended more and more youth group activities. My fellow youth group members and I would study together, laugh together, and cry together. I was finally accepted. One day, right before summer was about to start, my youth leader announced that our church was going to launch a mission trip to Perry County, the poorest county in Alabama. Our job was to help the less-fortunate people by building ramps, fixing houses, and leading a vacation bible school. At first I was reluctant to leave home, but I decided to go because all of my friends were going. I had no idea what to expect and I was unprepared for the experience I would receive during the trip. The summer of my ninth grade year was my first mission trip. When we got there, I was humbled by the sight. The living conditions sub par compared to what I am used to. We stayed in the dorms at Judson College. Throughout my time in Perry County, I have suffered through various injuries but I do not regret my time there. While the work days were long and tedious, the self-fulfillment from helping those less fortunate than me was more than enough to motivate me through the days. Most of the people we helped were in bad physical condition. They either had disabled limbs or some sort of sickness. This was when I found my calling to be a doctor. I wished there was more I could do for them then to just fix up their houses. My most touching moment was when we helped Mrs. Johnson, an elderly lady living alone, to install a new water heater. The heater was broken and she did not take a h |