This is a little long, but I was hoping to get some feedback for it. I wrote it for my english class. The topic was to write about a rite of passage... Tell me what you think. Be HONEST. Thanks!
I savored every detail of my mom’s goodbye embrace. The fragrant scent of her perfume still lingered. I bit my lip, squeezing my eyes to hold back the inevitable tears. The magnitude of what I was about to do finally hit me as I settled into my airplane seat. Six weeks without my family, my friends, my home, in a foreign country none the less! What in the world was I thinking when I signed up to do this?! Little did I know that this trip would transform my life as I knew it. Of course I expected an incredible experience, but life change I did not anticipate.
This journey had been over a year in the making. Having seen an article in a magazine about Teen Missions International, I dreamed of going on a mission trip. Getting my parents to even consider the prospect was a gigantic hurdle in and of itself. Months of preparation have culminated to this moment. I was a curious yet naïve eleven-year-old girl ready to face the impossible. Six weeks away on a mission trip to Maracaibo, Venezuela… I could scarcely believe it.
The monotonous plane ride brought me to my first destination: Merritt Island, Florida. It was here that my team would receive the necessary training for going on the mission field. With a name like, “The Lord’s Boot Camp,” it was sure to be an unforgettable week. My hair dancing in every which direction and my clothes crumpled, I prompted my weary body simply to go on. My mom’s parting words tarried in my mind. “Pray, pray, pray… Pray if you are happy, if you are upset, if you are homesick, if you are nervous, just pray!” She had looked into my eyes searchingly, making sure I understood.
The members of my team were all very amiable with vibrant personalities. Nissi, the tiny one, with that distinctive spark… Krista, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, caring and compassionate… Laura and her cheeky, vivacious grin… We settled into our campsite which was a mile trek from the main buildings. My tent mate shared the same name as me, Hannah. She was a Texan girl; I loved listening to her southern drawl. I was kept busy amidst the orientation and meeting new people. When it was finally time for bed I had a bundle of emotions boiling inside.
“So what do you think of boot camp?” I whispered to Hannah as we lay in our sleeping bags.
“I think this is going to be a long week!” she laughed. “I couldn’t believe how hard the obstacle course was this morning. I think this going to be so much fun, though, no matter how exhausting it is.”
“I think you are right. There is just so much to get used to… I’m still in the Pacific Time Zone and the weather here is unbelievably hot and humid.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon!” She yawned, “Wow, I am tired. I better try to get to sleep. Have a good night!”
“Thanks, you too. See you in the morning!” With a final smile I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep, but to no avail. Tossing and turning in my sleeping bag I couldn’t seem to find a comfortable position.
What seemed to be hours later I was wide awake. Thunder cracked with all its might. I couldn’t help think of the fact that I was in the middle of the woods, in a tent, in a thunder storm. How completely reassuring!
Sighing, my thoughts drifted away from the turbulent night. Images of my family and my little kitty flashed into my mind. Oh how I missed them…
I would not cry. I refused. I hated to show my emotions, revealing my weaknesses. Just don’t cry, I coached myself. It was no use. A simple tear crept down my cheek. After that many more fell freely. I wept silently, smothering my vulnerability with my pillow. I felt utterly alone. My safe circle of comfort shattered. My family was not here to hug and encourage me, my friends were not here to talk with me, my cat was not here to snuggle with me, I was not laying in the security of my own bed, nothing was as I had come to expect, and know, and cherish.
"Pray, pray, pray.." my mother's words crept back into my head. "Pray when you are homesick, whenever, just pray!" I bowed my head in surrender, in humility, recognizing that without God's help I could not go on. I prayed for strength. I prayed for safety. I prayed for my family. The words of a familiar church hymn, "Amazing Grace," ran through my thoughts. "Amazing grace! How sweet the sond, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures."
It was a complete turnaround. I was not alone. God wraped His blanket of peace around me. The storm at last stilled and all was quiet and tranquil. My heavy eyelids drooped and at last I found sweet sleep.
My faith was no longer something I merely talk about at church. No longer was it a bedtime prayer. Never again would it simply be a Sunday morning sermon. My faith was real, and most importantly, it was mine. That experience, no matter how small it may seem, showed me that I serve not only a mighty God but a very personal God who cares about ME. It was only through prayer that I survived those lowest of lows while on that mission trip. I came back a changed person with a very genuine faith that I could claim for myself. On that tearful night I found a simple Bible verse (Psalm 27:1) that clearly explains how I felt: "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?" I live life confidently because never am I alone. | 
Haha actually it's probably my fault when it doesn't work... Anyway it's an awesome game, and if you played it and hated it, give it another chance!!!