ELI Post Trip Reflection

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

The 2025 ELI Service Trip to Kibera, Kenya was often uncomfortable.  It was so much more than a project.  It was a transformational experience that redefined cross-cultural immersion and united young leaders in purpose, growth, and connection. Over the course of the trip, our participants from the United States and Europe built an urban garden shoulder to shoulder with local participants (from Cheza Cheza and City Shamba). 

It would be shortsighted to underestimate the value of the urban garden.  It has already strengthened  Crossing Thresholds’ feeding program(s). Yet the power of lasting relationships that transcend borders is the greatest gift.  As Mark Twain once wrote, “Travel is the death of prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” Listen to some of the reflections from our trip participants about the power of shared service, cultural exchange, and what it means to lead with heart. Here’s what they had to say about the experience:
​
“What an experience! What I got to learn was: the value of common purpose, fresh perspectives, and mutual trust. I enjoyed interacting with all the members, celebrating a wide range of skill sets, and allowing for both our differences and similarities. I left feeling motivated, grateful, and ready to carry these teachings forward. See you soon!”

• Alexander

“Here is what I have learned about myself from working with this team. Internal growth happens when you can acknowledge the love surrounding you. Acceptance is difficult.  Grace and beauty can absolutely coexist with difficulty.”

• Julia
  

“I just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone.!  It was such a pleasure working together. Our dedication, teamwork, and positive spirit made all the difference. I truly appreciate the collaboration and I learned a lot along the way.”

• Mildred
  

“I learned that I love connecting with new (all) people and validating their experiences through sharing the beauty & strengths I see in them. It's a blessing to build trust and to have the capacity to hold space for so many perspectives as well as all of our similarities.”

• Ryanna
  

“Working with this team has taught me the power of collaboration and how much stronger we become when we support each other's strengths. I've learned I can handle tough situations.  I have also learned that I can be creative and come up with new ideas better than I ever thought I could!”

• Jennie
  

“Working with this team has taught me the value of embracing new experiences, learning from others’ perspectives, and appreciating the strengths they bring. I also discovered that true connection and empowerment come from a shared purpose and working alongside one another.”

• Nicole
  

As Bourdain has written, the journey left marks on our memories, our consciousness and our hearts.  May those marks continue to make a difference in the world we so dearly love.
- ELI 2025 Trip Participants