GO Week: Puerto Rico

GO Week: Puerto Rico

By Samantha DePriest

Over the last many weeks, we have taken a journey around the world with our High School GO Week Mission teams. Stories have been shared of how our students have visited and served in communities within an hour of our campus, some several hours away, and even others across the oceans. Our student mission teams have experienced different cultures, languages, foods, and ways of life. Trinity students have witnessed how people around the globe are living with much less resulting in a sense of gratitude for what they have been blessed with. They have been inspired to step out of their comfort zones to try new things and meet new people. They have learned that no matter your age, you can make a tremendous impact in someone’s life. They have been engaged in service and given opportunities to share the love of Christ.

Our final story to share is from the largest GO Week team who spent the week in Puerto Rico made up of 75 students and 7 TCS staff. For the second year in a row, High School Principal Mrs. Kimmy Jones led the mission team. Mrs. Jones shared, “Team Puerto Rico was able to serve and learn together being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people in the community of Santurce and at YWAM (youth with a mission) . Students and staff on this team worked to provide land clearing, cleaning, painting and other facility improvements to prepare the space for the upcoming youth camps and church services. We walked the streets of impoverished communities to share the good news and to invite those in the community to church. Children that resided in a local government housing complex had an opportunity to attend and participate in a day filled with crafts, games, music, and fun that was planned and organized by Team Puerto Rico. What a joy it was to engage the hearts and minds of these children in a way to shine bright for then to see His good works through our interactions.“

The trip itinerary was made up of ministry days and a day and a half of fun. The large group of students and TCS staff was divided into two groups who took turns serving at the local church in Santurce and at the YWAM Base. At the local church, TCS students helped with several projects including painting, yard work, repair work, and more. Both groups helped with these work projects in the mornings and had an informal time with the children in the afternoons.  Games, sports, and crafts were enjoyed during their play time in the afternoons. TCS students brought soccer balls, frisbees, jump ropes, bubbles, face painting and more to play with the students. At the end of each day, the mission teams gathered together to enjoy dinner and devotion time.

On the Saturday, before returning back to the states, the mission teams enjoyed a ride out to El Rey Marina for a catamaran cruise out to the uninhabited little island of Icacos for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Lunch was served on the boat followed by deep-water snorkeling on a reef before heading back to Isla Verde Dinner at the hotel and devotions.

Sunday was a day filled with culture and history. Students attended a local church service and then headed to Old San Juan to explore El Moro, a walking tour of the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, shopping on Fortaleza Street, and then to the airport.

Devotion and worship time on the beach at night.

Student and staff reflections from GO Week mission trips are evidence of the heart changes that take place within our service teams.

Senior Emerson Dalton serves on BETA Club and cheers for our Varsity cheerleading squad. Emerson shared, “Puerto Rico was such an eye opening experience! I'm extremely grateful I got to be a part of it. Watching how 8 people got saved has changed my perspective on life, giving me a great realization of the positive effects of life and giving me a dramatic impact on MY life! I will continue to thank God daily for what he has given me. Also the snorkeling was so fun like what?!”

Our students attending a local church service.

Senior Connor DePriest plays varsity soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball, and serves on Student Council and BETA Club. Connor shared, “I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico. It was so good to see how the people were impacted by us inviting them to church and by us playing with the kids. It made me realize that such little things to us can be huge for them. My advice is to never be afraid of sharing the good news even if you don’t speak the same language.”

TCS Mission team touring Old San Juan.

TCS sophomore Feyi Ajayi serves on Student Council and BETA Club. Feyi shared, “My trip to Puerto Rico was unexpecting and an extraordinary trip. I learned to further love and appreciate my privileges and not take advantage of them. Puerto Rico showed me that language barriers should not cease one's desire to help those in need and reveal the word of God to those who haven't heard. In Puerto Rico I had the chance to meet kids who have a different lifestyle than me. I bonded with the kids and they told me their life stories and shared their sense of humor. I had the privilege to play and laugh with the kids and continue to place a smile on their faces. I attended service at a Spanish speaking church and was given the chance to worship the same God, Jesus Christ. Puerto Rico taught me, humored me, and showed me what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus.”

Underwater snorkeling adventures.

Abigale Smith is a senior at TCS and participates in Jack and Jill of America and NAACP, serves on the TCS BETA Club and Student Council, and competes on our Track and Field and Cheer teams. Abigale shared “Puerto Rico was definitely an eye opening trip for me. It made me way more grateful for the little things in life and it taught me so much about having a strong community around you. I am so thankful that I got to spend my 18th birthday serving the Lord and going snorkeling!!” 

Jessalyn Sutton is in her junior year at TCS and competes on the TCS golf team and serves in CFA Leadership. Jessalyn shared, “It was awesome to see how a language barrier didn’t stop us from loving the people and the people loving us.” 

Davis Peavy is a junior and shared, “I had an amazing experience in Puerto Rico. I got the chance to impact locals in the community by handing out pamphlets as well has helping with some basic needs around local churches like maintenance and raking leaves. It was an amazing experience and God grew me as follower on what it’s like to get out of your comfort zone. My favorite memory was when a group of us stayed and sang and worshiped on the beach for what felt like a few hours. At one point we had close to 20 people and not all of them were from our group. I can’t wait to see what happens next year!“

Cooper Baker is in his sophomore year at TCS and serves on BETA Club, and runs track and field and cross country. Cooper shared, "I truly had an experience of a lifetime in Puerto rico. Being able to help out children in need really made me feel the reality that our world is living in. I loved being able to play with them and share wonderful experiences with them. Serving at YWAM, Youth With A Mission, was a blast! The people were so nice and friendly, welcoming us with open arms. The overall mission trip to Puerto Rico really changed me as a person."

TCS Staff member Mrs. Bragg serves as the 11th & 12th grade Skills Development Teacher and Student Council Advisor helped lead students on the GO Week trip. Mrs. Bragg shared, “It is always a blessing when young people are introduced to missionaries in various locations because students see first hand how passionate missionaries are about being the hands and feet of God. Working alongside missionaries is the best way to train up new ones.  Joshua Expeduitons partnered us with some inspiring missionaries and that was not by accident. Today, we may not know what the future holds for our TCS students, but rest assured we know who holds their future. #buildingupmissionaries”

TCS GO Week students playing with the children at YWAM.

Nathan Huff is graduating this May and competes on the varsity baseball team and leads the Trinity student section. He plans to attend Georgia Southern University in the Fall. Nathan shares, “I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to be able to witness Go Week in Puerto Rico. Being able to serve others in the eyes of the Lord was such an honor and a privilege to have. One of my main memories of this trip was walking around the streets handing out flyers inviting people to the local church. While I was handing out these flyers a lady stopped me asking if I could pray for her. She was a older lady that lived alone and she began to get sick, so all I did was pray for her and her health then invited her to the church service that Sunday. I wasn't sure if she was going to show up, but she did and it made me realize that just one prayer can change a person perspective of life and I thank God for giving me that opportunity.” 

Students in group A at Fort in Old San Juan

GO Week: Costa Rica

GO Week: Costa Rica

By Samantha DePriest

High school GO Week aligns with the mission of Trinity Christian School in making disciples and sharing the gospel. Mission teams made up of all of TCS students in grades nine through twelve travel far and wide the week after Christmas break to make an impact on those in need and share the love of Christ. In January, several mission teams set out to serve as the hands and feet to communities that need it most. One of our mission teams made up of twenty-two students and three chaperones traveled south to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is located in Central America, connecting North and South America, and borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.

TCS High School Guidance Counselor Mr. Brian Fourman helped lead the Costa Rica mission team and shared, “About 20 minutes outside of San Jose, Costa Rica is an area known as Pavas. This residential area is mostly immigrants from neighboring countries who have moved to Costa Rica looking for the chance of a better life. With little money or resources to their name, they settle in this impoverished area near the city’s main garbage dump and use whatever they can salvage to construct living quarters for themselves. To look at it, you would not consider their dwellings to be much of a home. “

He went on to share., “This environment of extreme poverty is what 22 students and 3 chaperones ministered in during GO Week. The goal of the trip was to build two houses in two and a half days, one for a family of three and the other for a family of seven. Both had been identified by a local church working with a local contractor as families in severe need of housing."

Students helping paint the walls of a home.

“The houses were very simple in construction, consisting only of a living room/kitchen area and two bedrooms. Again, to those in our culture, it would be considered very basic. But to these families, it was as if they’d been handed the keys to a castle. They were so thankful and filled with joy to be given the keys to their new home. We were humbled to serve them in this way.“

“But more important than the home, we were able to show God’s love through our actions and our generous giving. The people in this village do not think anyone cares about them and that they are all alone in this world. We were able to show them that they have not been forgotten and that ultimately God does love them. This is what we are all called to do - to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. Thanks to all the students who traveled and to those who supported the Costa Rica team. You were all amazing!” 

Reflections from students on the mission team:

Senior Jonah Conaway plays football and lacrosse and has committed to play lacrosse at LaGrange College in the fall shared, “Last year I tried to go on the trip to Costa Rica, but it didn’t end up working out. As soon as GO Week trips opened up this year I jumped on the opportunity to finally get to go. Going into the trip I knew what to expect agenda wise, but I never would have known what to expect spiritually. The ability to go into a new environment, into a place where nothing is promised, and change the lives of an entire family was wild. While we were there we were able to build a three room house in which a family of 7 was able to live. We also blessed them with beds, household appliances, groceries, and more. It was really moving to see how amazed this family was, and how thankful they were of a group of teenage foreigners. It was very inspiring to me to see how impactful I can be to others in just a few days.”

Wil RInkenberger and Elly Dallas were all smiles while painting the walls of the home they helped build.

High school sophomore Elly Dallas is involved in TCS Sports Medicine, Theatre, plays Flag football and Track and Field, and serves on the Worship Team, Student council, Beta Club, and FCA. Elly shared, “Our trip to Costa Rica was an experience I will NEVER forget. I didn't think I would be able to go on a trip this year but by the grace of God a way was provided and I'm so glad He did because he worked and moved in my life more than I could ever imagine. My heart for this trip was to minister to the children and the Lord absolutely knew my heart and blessed that desire. As soon as I met the children of the family we were working with, the young daughter, Angie, came and hugged me and held my hand tightly and just never wanted to let go. By the end of the week Angie and I were inseparable. I will never forget how much spending the week with that beautiful little girl meant to me. She was absolutely radiant in her joy and that inspired me so greatly. I'm so incredibly grateful for this trip, the people I met, and the work of God in my heart in Costa Rica.”

Junior Olivia Freeman runs cross country and track & field for TCS, and serves with FCA, Beta club, and NHS shared, “Everything about our trip to Costa Rica was so beautiful to me. God moved in ways that I couldn’t have seen coming. At one point during the trip, I felt like I hadn’t done enough because I wasn’t building and working on our family’s home the way some others in my group had been. One night we were all talking though, and I realized that everybody’s gifts were actively being used in different ways. Some worked the entire day on painting, some worked on building, some carried supplies from one point to another, and I found myself spending time playing and interacting with some of the kids from around the area. Even though I wasn’t hammering dozens of nails or installing windows, I got to show and receive so much love and kindness through each interaction I had with my new friends. I just can’t get over the way God used all of our individual and special talents to create such a blessing in Costa Rica.” 

TCS student Ale Larin shares a hug with a child from the village the team served in.

Junior Ale Larin shared, “Going into this trip I had no idea what to expect, but I'm so grateful for everything I was able to do, and take away from it. Being able to provide something so big as a house to a family was absolutely amazing. As well as connecting with the family we were building the house for, made it that much more special to really get to know who we were working alongside to do this.Not only getting close to the family, but all the other people in the area were so incredibly kind. I was able to really connect and build relationships with the little kids in the area, so much so that it made saying goodbye hard. Seeing  the kids completely changed my perspective on being grateful when I saw how happy and content they were with just a soccer ball, and what they had. I’ll never forget the memories made or the people in Costa Rica. It taught me that happiness can come from what you allow it to come from, and you can be completely content with what you have been given.” 

Paulina Hamilton Larin shared, “Being a chaperone on this trip with such an amazing group was the perfect way to start the new year! What a blessing it was to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a way that was so impactful! I had been on missions trips before but never on one where I was able to so tangibly feel the love of God being poured out. What a great experience it was to work alongside the family we were building for and I’m so thankful God allowed us the opportunity to meet and interact with them. I loved being able to translate and use my Spanish skills to help our team and the local team working with us! It was also such a joy to see our young students share the love of Christ even though most did not speak their language.They were amazing! Being able to interact and pray for the families we were serving (in their native tongue) was by far the most emotional experience I had on the trip. Here I was thinking we were going to bless some people! Turns out they blessed me more than they will ever know. Thank you Trinity for allowing me the privilege and honor to be a part of such an amazing opportunity!“

Junior Avery Lucchesi plays Varsity softball and golf and is a part of the very first Aviation Academy Class at TCS. She also plays travel softball and has been flying planes for 3 years and hopes to get her private license before graduating in May of 2025. Avery shared, “Costa Rica was very impactful to me. The key ceremony really got to me when we presented the keys to the house to the family. We created a strong bond with the family members and presenting them the house in realization of our work done was very emotional. It was a wave of emotions ranging from being super happy that I got to provide for them to being so sad that we had to leave, not giving them more. Going on the catamaran was also a fun experience because we all got to bond, hangout, and listen to music while relaxing and debriefing about the hard work we put in all week.” 

Senior Anna Grace Strealy plays lacrosse and flag football and runs cross country, serves in Beta club and Student Council, and Discipleship 201 shared, “Having the opportunity to go give two families not a house, but a home was incredible. Although I spoke no Spanish and they spoke no English, the language barrier did not stop the spread and love of God. I will never forget the families that I met and as much as we gave to them, I took more from the family - a life changing experience. After coming back from this trip, I have learned to emulate their contentment, joy, and generosity.”

Junior CJ West plays lacrosse, is in the Aviation program, and enjoys cars shared, “The whole trip was a very unique special experience. It meant a lot to wake up, eat breakfast, and get on the bus with fellow students in another country. On this trip, there was no pressure, everyone was here for the mission. This made the trip much more enjoyable, everyone got along so easily. While building the houses I met and became friends with one of the builders, Jonathan. He was 17 years old. Jonathan spoke a respectable amount of english. I'm pretty sure he didn’t know my name so he would just call me boss, which was a brief humorous break when working on the house. Jonathan knew funny sayings in English like, “see you later alligator”. Which led to me teaching him how to pronounce “After while crocodile.” On the second day of building we started to play music and sing, alot. Jonathan loves Drake, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and Michael Jackson. After every hard day of work, most everyone would meet up at the pool, until it closed at 9, and after that we would head to the hotel lobby to play uno until curfew. Another one of my favorite memories was filming the trip. The final day was like a movie, a beautiful catamaran cruise to a private island, monkeys, banana boating, kayaking, and fishing”.

Junior Aidan Whitaker plays baseball and serves on both NHS and Beta club at TCS shared “This trip is definitely going to be one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I will look back on this trip in 50 years and remember everything I did while in Costa Rica. I never thought that building houses would be so enjoyable. There was never a moment during the building where I was bored and regretting that I was there. The entire time spent building the house felt unreal, I was in a third world country doing the work of God for the less fortunate. All of the workers were kind and helpful, and were patient every time I sent a nail flying across or spilled the paint all over the floor. Every person we met down there was so kind to us. The local church went out of their way to feed us three days in a row. Even though everybody down there didn't have much, they were thankful for what they did have. Small items meant the world to people, things people take for granted in the U.S. went a long way to anybody who received it. Overall the entire experience was able to open my eyes to what seemed like a whole new world outside of my comfort zone.” 

GO Week: Miami

GO Week: Miami

By Samantha DePriest

Each January following Christmas break, the entire student body and TCS high school staff spend a week out of the classroom being engaged in compassionate service. Over the years, our GO Week teams have served in faraway places like Austria, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico as well as stateside in Florida, Montana, and Texas. Students choose trips based on their interests and spend time sharing the love of God while lending a helping hand and serving with non-profits and ministries.

GO Week: Miami team

In team meetings prior to GO Week Miami, the topic of serving others was discussed among the team. Many students prayed for ways they could serve God through serving others while in south Florida. This topic was highlighted in their devotionals.  

TCS Junior Sam Bethea shared in her devotional: “When we feel distant from God it is easy to fall into a downward spiral feeling of empty worthlessness and shame. Being far from God is a lie from the devil and the true love of God is closer to us than we could ever imagine. Serving others is a way to fall in love with God and feel close to him, “Humbleness is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” 

Prayer time at East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC)

“We often think of serving others as very surface level like holding the door for someone, smiling at strangers, or even paying for someone else as those are all acts of service that we should do everyday,” fellow Junior Jenna McConnell shared Philippians 2:4-9 begins: 4 “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Jenna went on to say, “God wants us to take the form of a servant. As we go to the church today, just really humble yourselves and try to serve those that the Lord calls you to serve.”

Mrs. Hutchinson, TCS High School Guidance Counselor, helped lead the GO Week: Miami team. She shares, “During our Miami GO Week trip, we were able to feel the hand of God as He guided us along the path that He planned for us for the week. We were all worried and concerned when we found out that staff member Mrs. Perez was sick and unable to join us for the trip. We were very thankful that TCS Skills Teacher and parent, Mrs. Jody Earl, was able to join us on Wednesday morning. “ God’s provision was evident before the team even left Sharpsburg.

TCS students pictured with Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Daycare.

TCS students serving at Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Daycare.

One of the highlights of the mission trip was the opportunity for our TCS students to serve at the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) school.  Our students interacted with children helping with school work and playing on the playground. 

Mrs. Hutchinson went on to share, “On Thursday, students served the children at the RCMA Daycare. TCS students had many questions as they were not sure what types of things they would be doing. Those questions and insecurities melted as the faces of the RCMA students lit up with smiles, and they quickly warmed up to our students. Our students were able to play and work with the RCMA students in their classrooms and on the playground. A fond memory from the experience was seeing the excitement in the faces of our TCS students as they interacted with the RCMA students.” 

TCS GO Week team pictured with East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC) youth group.

TCS students shared memories and the impact of their experiences there:

“I had such a fun time with my class!! I loved playing tag with the girls on the playground!” Jenna McConnell

“I enjoyed listening to the kids talk about how their life is in their culture.” John Counts

“I had a great time playing with the girls on the playground and inside their classroom.” Lauren LaFleur

“I enjoyed reading to the kids. I felt special when before I even Introduced myself, a few girls made a space for me to sit next to them.” Lilyana Claborn

“I liked getting to bond with all the kids!” Rylee Jeter

“I liked making slime with the students and talking with them about some of their favorite things!” Katie Williamson

“I got to draw with the three girls hanging out with me. We also got to play together on the playground. It was fun learning how their day was like at their school. One girl I was talking to was explaining how lunch works- They clean tables, wash hands, pray, and then eat.” Toni-Marie Timpson

“I liked reading to the kids and helping them make their snowmen!” Myla Ball

TCS students had opportunities to say a prayer for the group before meals and lead morning devotionals. 

East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC) Pastor Gonzalo and wife Ada Perez

In the months leading up the GO Week trip, TCS students and parents had a strong desire to do more to help the migrant families in the Miami area. With the help of Mrs. Perez, the team was able to connect with East Hialeah Baptist Church and determine that students could donate clothing items to support the ministry of EHBC.

TCS students enjoyed time with the youth at EHBC. They enjoyed times of worship together, played games like Musical Chairs, and prayed together as a group of believers. “We could see how God used our experience at the RCMA Daycare center to allow our TCS students to be more willing to step out of their comfort zone and interact with people they don’t know. After months of preparation and planning on our part, we know that God perfectly orchestrated the sequencing of the events for our good and for His Glory. TCS students found it difficult to leave that night after making strong connections with the youth at East Hialeah Baptist Church.”

On Friday evening, the GO Week team received a warm welcome from the members of East Hialeah Baptist Church. The church also prepared a wonderful authentic Cuban meal for the team. This church has a very special connection with our very own Mrs. Lizzie Perez. Her father-in-law, Mr. Gonzalo Perez, is the pastor there.

During their free time, the GO Week team was immersed in the culture and explored Wynwood Walls and experienced Miami’s art-culture through colorful street murals created by artists from around the world. The team was also blessed with the opportunity to visit the Miami Zoo and experienced an airboat ride through the Everglades. A memorable time was had by all and a meaningful impact was made on this mission trip to south Florida.

GO Week: Austria

GO Week: Austria

By Samantha DePriest

It’s not every day when a student gets to travel across the world on the trip of a lifetime with friends and teachers to be fully immersed in service and music history experiencing one bucket list item after another for a whole week. GO Week: Austria itinerary included serving with local ministries for two days and was full of concerts, museums, and the Sound of Music Tour. Performing Arts Director Mr. Tim Hurt shared, “Our group of 30 has been praying together and preparing for this adventure all semester.  We served with missionaries at a youth conference called Praise Camp in Vienna two full days while we were there.  We also took a music history tour in the footsteps of Mozart and a full day trip to Salzburg.  The memories and worldview our students gained are amazing, for sure! On the heels of such a successful trip, we are already planning for future GO Week trips and other musical adventures.”

Students serving food at Praise Camp.

TCS students with Austrian students at Praise Camp 

The mission team included students ranging from freshmen to seniors and included a dozen parent chaperones as well. They combined education and service during their time abroad. Praise Camp is a biannual event led by the local grassroots church, Wunderwerk Church. Only 1% of Austria is Christian and since Austria doesn’t have many missionaries, Mr. Hurt gives all praises to God for the connection with the missionaries they partnered with.

While serving at Praise Camp, our TCS students participated in street ministry, prayer time, and serving approximately 2,000 meals in two days. They danced the Macarena and YMCA together and even taught the Austrian students the Church Clap. This was particularly fun for the Austrian students to know a new American dance they can go back and share with others.

Mr. Hurt shared “I loved exploring the rich music history of Vienna, and having so many of our Arts students join us for that.  We have been studying music history, and in particular the artists that frequented this city in the classical period.  It was special to see and hear their works in the very city where they originated.

TCS students pictured with Mozart Piano Trio outside the Chamber where Mozart performed many concerts.

The missions effort we partnered with was so special!  Our students and parents joined in worship and service throughout the Praise Camp, and really connected with the Austrian youth.  I love the Body of Christ and that we are connected immediately when we join together in His Name!” Mr. Hurt was encouraged that all the goals they set out to accomplish were met with regards to expanding students knowledge of music culture and history. Our students were eager to share their experiences with us.

“My favorite experience was touring and attending mass at St Stephens Cathedral. My memories of our trip to Austria will last a lifetime.” Collier Benz

“My favorite moment on the trip was celebrating new years in downtown Vienna with my friends.” Kendra Coffey

“My favorite moment was sharing laughs over a good meal with friends.” Madeline Hightower

TCS students, Sophie Young and Hank Woody, participating with a German teenager in street ministry 

“My favorite part of the trip was was making new memories while exploring the city with my friends.” Claire Robertson

“While being in Austria, I instantly felt a connection with the kids at the church because they are just like us, teenagers and have an aspiration to know God.” Sophie Young

“This really opened my eyes to a lot of things.  I was surprised that the people of Austria were very similar to us.  I learned that the world is big, but not that different from us.” Jake Mullins

TCS students working security at Praise Camp

“It doesn’t matter what language we speak or where we live, but that we are all just a bunch of kids who love Jesus.” Emberlynn Wozniak

“I’ll never forget this once in a lifetime experience! Thank you to all the wonderful people involved in making this trip possible!” Anna Marie Flournoy

”The GO Week 2024 trip to Vienna was eye opening and expanded my world view. So happy to have had such a wonderful experience with such amazing people!” Molly Wilson

Flash mob at Praise Camp with Austrian teenagers performing the Church Clap for the first time

“This trip had it all! I got a lecture from a foosball pro, talked to random people in the street, and learned that the Belvedere Museum is not a good place for a game of paintball. It was all very educational. And there was music too, I guess." Anna Manwaring

“It's architecture and people remind me of the beauty in this world.” Addison Davis

“Vienna was awesome. My favorite part was making new friends from another country.”  Cody Head