As the 2023-2024 school year is coming to an end, LHS students are eager for the summer that awaits. While some students plan on tanning or swimming, LHS junior Elise Groher will be spending hers devoting a week to building homes in the Dominican Republic.
Toward the end of June, a group of juniors and seniors will be going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic through Central Youth Group. The purpose of this trip is to build houses from the ground up, including cement, walls and roofing – all in under a week. The 60 students attending will split and ultimately divide and conquer, building three homes total in the span of four days. For Groher, she plans on not only building homes to help others but to also share her faith with them along the way.
“I want to grow my faith and see God work in the lives of peers and families that don’t have the same economic and cultural background as me. I want to get to know people and hopefully have an impact on their faith,” said Groher.
By putting time and effort into building homes for others, Groher hopes to see a change in the lives of others.
“I hope to grow in my faith, as well as just put my strength to use in building a house that will change a family’s life,” said Groher.
Along with her goals, Groher is also incredibly excited about new experiences. Since she participated in the Spanish Immersion Program for 12 years, she will finally be able to put her Spanish-speaking abilities to use and communicate with those in the Dominican Republic.
“I am mostly excited to leave the country. I have never before left the country and I’m excited to see the beach. It won’t be my first time but it will definitely be my most memorable. I’m also excited to be able to speak Spanish with all of the families. I’ve been in the Spanish Immersion program for 12 years now and can’t wait to use it for good,” said Groher.
Though there is excitement running through Groher’s veins, she also has some worries.
“I am nervous about the fact that we won’t have AC for a week. I’ve heard it is very humid in the Dominican, so I’m scared I’ll be horribly uncomfortable. I’ve also heard the bathrooms are scary, but at the end of the day I know I’ll have more fun than anything,” said Groher.
Groher is graduating early, so her high school experience is coming to an end. She is truly soaking up every last minute before she moves on to her collegiate life, and there truly is no better way to end it all than with a mission trip to grow in faith with those she loves.
“Since I decided to graduate early, this would be my last chance to go on a mission trip with my church. I’ve always wanted to go, it has just been a matter of time and courage. I decided to take the chance this year, and I’ve been really excited to both leave the country for the first time and meet some families that hopefully I can get to know and share my faith with,” said Groher.
