Spring break comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Every student tries to squeeze as much fun or relaxation into that one week before returning to school. Some students, however, feel called to dedicate that week to others. This is the case with Canta Caudill (11). She chose to spend her week on a mission trip to Uganda, where she witnessed life changes in the local communities.
Caudill flew over the ocean and drove across the equator to reach her final destination in Uganda, Africa. She traveled with a small group of students from her church to several cities and communities. Caudill expected big things to come out of this trip.
“I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I wanted God to move in their lives and my life,” Caudill said.
In Uganda, Caudill shared her faith with people she had never seen before. She shared how nerve-wracking that experience was for her, but then how she saw God working through her, which made everything worth it. She was able to meet hundreds of young kids and share the love of Jesus with them. Her group worked with a local Ugandan organization to help build relationships with the students. Also, Caudill helped run a malnutrition clinic in one of the poorer villages. All of these different experiences had an immense impact on her life.
“The most meaningful thing to me was probably hearing the testimonies of how God changed some of the Ugandan peoples lives,” Caudill said.
When asked about what the trip taught her and how it personally impacted her, Caudill spoke about how the trip instilled in her that God has a plan for everyone. She talked about how the Africans’ boldness and love for Jesus inspired her in her walk with the Lord.
“It was amazing to see that God works everywhere and always has a plan for our lives. There is always a need for Jesus, and these people want to live for him. It is very inspiring,” Caudill said.
Uganda faces significant challenges, such as widespread poverty and the burden of communicable diseases. Most of its citizens struggle to find clean water and food to feed their families. The husbands in Uganda, who in their culture are the head of the household, often give in to alcoholism. Throughout all these hardships, the Ugandan people choose to live with great joy and gladness. Their contagious joy deeply impressed Caudill with the true meaning of having joy through suffering. She was amazed at how they gave even when they had nothing to give, and she expressed a great desire to return.
“Yes, I would love to go back! I would want to go back because I love the people there and I love their culture,” Caudill said.
Caudill’s spring break was far more than just a week away from school—it was a transforming experience that deepened her faith, expanded her perspective, and inspired her with the faith and joy of the Ugandan people. Through sharing her faith, serving in a clinic, and forming relationships despite barriers, she not only impacted the lives of others but also found her own life profoundly shaped. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful adventures do not come from seeking comfort but from stepping out in courage and compassion.
