So you want to go on an international mission trip as a volunteer, but your parents have some questions. Where will you stay, who will chaperone, and how much will it cost? Here are some helpful tips for introducing your parents to the idea of letting you travel as a volunteer abroad.
Choose a safe location. Mom and Dad are not going to love the idea of a country with a high crime rate, no matter how exciting the possibility may seem to you. Do some research and present your parents with a few options to decide on with you. Parents like inclusiveness. It shows maturity on your part.
Go with a reputable mission trip organization. Mission Discovery takes care of the details, such as lodging, food, worship, and travel documentation. We can also help you find a trip that is a great match for your skills, abilities and budget. We are not your parents, but we will take care of you.
Consider starting with a domestic mission trip. If you begin with a project in your local community and follow it through, your folks will see that you are committed and ready to take your desire to serve to a foreign country. Another advantage to starting close to home is that you are improving your skills, making you a real asset on future mission trips.
Lastly, you could always ask your parents to join you. Families that have volunteered abroad on missionary work say how amazing it was to get away from the comforts of home, and serve the needy together. It might just bring you closer to the adult relationship you’ve been wanting with your parents.
