By Simon Howes

My name is Simon Howes, and I will be a senior in high school this year. I have been going to Glen Mar for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I remember eagerly waiting to be able to go on the Hurley mission trip in 8th grade, but that was canceled because of COVID-19. The next year and every year after, I went on a week-long mission trip.

This June 23-29, 2024, I went to Plymouth, NC to serve along with the Carolina Rebuilding Ministry (CRM). During this week, my work crew of eight members including me went to the house of a good-hearted woman,  Mrs. Anderson. Together, we redid the floor in the hallway and living room. This included removing the subflooring, replacing the joists, installing new subflooring, and finishing with a layer of vinyl flooring.

I went on this mission trip with my mom, dad, and sister and I am thankful that they came with me even though they were not on my crew. I also told some of my friends about my good experience in Plymouth last year and got two of my friends to come along with my family and me.

Besides working on her house, we had the chance to talk to Mrs. Anderson, her friend, and our crew members. We also met a chicken on the first day, who greeted us at the front door every day.

I love all the mission trips I go on, and this one was no exception. I am very grateful to Glen Mar for organizing the trip and CRM for hosting us. CRM is an amazing organization, and I am glad to be a part of their ministry. Last year I got to talk to Jason, the leader of CRM. It was very exciting to hear his vision and to come back this year and see how everything turned out.

I came out of the mission trip as a changed person, all thanks to the special people involved. I would highly recommend everybody to come on our trip to Plymouth next year. There are many opportunities for all different types of people; young and old, men and women.

In conclusion, the 2024 Plymouth mission trip was a great, life-changing experience all around.