I got up at 4 a.m. to leave with my youth group on a mission trip. Driving from North Dakota, it took 12 hours to arrive at the Encounter Cove Camp in Roach, Missouri.

We teamed up with another youth team from Iowa for the week. We quickly overcame the initial awkwardness by learning each other's names and playing games.

As part of our volunteer work we cleaned dorm rooms at camp and processed over 20,000 pounds of produce at a food bank. We are already half way through our week and still have lots of work to accomplish.

Each morning we do personal devotion before breakfast. In the evening after worship music, we discuss together.

I feel like I have already grown in my faith. I am excited for the rest of the week at the beautiful Encounter Cove campus.

I can't wait to see what we accomplish next. We are very grateful for this opportunity God has given us.

(Aksel is a 15-year old participant from First Baptist Church in Valley City, North Dakota)