Misiones-Missing-Out

Guarne, December 2016, the feeling rolls back, another opportunity to find a way to appreciate life and leave your comfort zone while learning about living conditions many have to live and many know nothing about. A young teenage girl awaits for three girls to come knocking on her door and just listen, listen and understand. The solution to her dilemma of dropping school came as an answer in missionary form.

Every year TCS students continue to be absent to Misiones while all other schools in Medellín have a standard participation, is it the school or is it the people, why not Columbus?

What is Misiones?

There is a lack of information on what really goes down in these 5-8 day experience where you can choose how much religion you want to encounter and what your purpose is. Within Misiones there are different types of trips, totally different experiences ranging from the sanctity of Semana Santa to the Christmas or October Break generosity expeditions.

“I believe it is an experience everyone should have regardless of their social and religious beliefs being a once in a lifetime experience, something new that most of us don’t experience day to day,” said Valentina Londoño, former missionary and now director.

Described as a life-changing experience of self-growth, a single trip goes farther than a time of prayer and reconnection with God. Every missionary that voluntarily attends takes a different turn and purpose in every journey.  

Why Misiones and Why Us?

The intention and idea of these long time held outings is confused with the spread of the gospel and simple time of prayer, it is not a spiritual retreat, rather more the chance to meet people, step out of your comfort zone, learn and help the community all at once.

“A day in the life of a missionary sounds harsh, an early wake-up, breakfast done by three different roommates, small prayer and you’re out. Wearing the classic uniform with pride we visit houses around and get to know who lives there; play with the kids, help the women, and listen which is what we are there for. We get back home for lunch made by those who made breakfast that morning and then we rest and get ready for evening activities with the kids awaiting the exciting bonding missionary night activities,” said Valentina Echeverri, TCS 2016 alumni and missionary.  

Religion regarding Misiones

There is no need to be religiously tied to practice and prayer, a reader of the gospel or religious at all. Agnostics, atheists, believers, those who are confused all go on the experience and take different outcomes, even after many trips. There is no Catholic requirement to attend Misiones.

“I’m not a very religious person but I’ve always dreamed and really wanted to go because it gives the opportunity to all religions and all beliefs with no closed doors, even if it works around religion, it is okay for non-believers and it is a simple experience I believe is applicable for anyone,” Antonia Gaviria, TCS Junior said.

Time for TCS to get involved

Students at the Columbus School, either have the faith or understand how it works with no affiliation to religion and faith and in this fashion want to go but never find their way to attend.

In a survey conducted through high school students, 78% of students say they’d want to go, 9% would consider it and only 13% would definitely never attend. With the desire to go it is questionable how there is still a constant lack of TCS participants that many would argue is restricted exclusively to a lack of religious education.

“I don’t see it as a lack of religion at the school but really a lack of people wanting to experience things that will make them step out of their comfort zone. People at TCS have it all and they think this kind of activities are not worth it for their life,” added Echeverri.

Be it the people or the school, Misiones continue to have an approximate 3% of TCS participance while it is still the biggest school in Medellín.

This past December was the first time the Columbus School social service director encouraged Misiones by posting the enrollment link on the school’s website but still, the school had no knowledge of the single student that attended and neglected the attendance of another.

“People you meet in Misiones teach you what real happiness is, and that no matter the problems you have there will always be a smile. Taking smiles and the love of God is the best gift you can give, Columbus kids shouldn’t be out on this” said Sara Arbelaez, Colegio Cumbres alumni, and missionary.