"This trip was a great experience. Although this was my second time on a Compassion Vision Trip for DW, I still learned valuable lessons about poverty and how Compassion International works. Through project/church and home visits, we were able to see how Compassion International directly works in communities to impact children's lives and release them from poverty in Jesus' name. My eyes were opened to how poverty is not just defined by economic status, but by socio-emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual status as well. I love that we were able to witness the direct impact Compassion has on these children's lives, starting from when they enter the program as young children to when they graduate and become leaders and mentors in their own communities and beyond. Compassion truly does give children hope for brighter futures and bigger dreams. We also got to meet Irene, one of Compassion Club's two sponsor children, and spend time with her on a "fun day", during which we played on the beach and treated Irene to some birthday shopping. Getting to meet Irene and all the other children, families, and workers was a surreal and humbling experience. Another memorable aspect of the trip was the group bonding that took place through long bus rides and nightly debriefing sessions. I'm so thankful to have spent one of the most memorable weeks of my life with such great people. I would love to go on this trip again, and would definitely recommend it to anyone."

- Erica Kim