Once you say yes to a mission trip, one of the first questions that comes up is practical:

What should I bring?

Preparing for an international mission trip can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time serving abroad. Many people worry about packing the wrong things, forgetting essentials, or not being fully prepared.

The good news is that mission trips are not about having perfect gear or packing every possible item.

In fact, many first-time volunteers discover they need far less than they expected.

The goal is not comfort or convenience. The goal is to arrive prepared, flexible, and ready to serve.

If you are still exploring what a mission trip experience looks like, you can learn more about volunteering with The Emiliani Project here:
https://emilianiproject.org/volunteer/

Start with the Essentials

The best approach to packing is simplicity.

Focus first on the items that will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and prepared to serve throughout the trip.

Important Essentials to Bring

• A valid passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight, modest clothing suitable for warm weather
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medications and toiletries
• Small backpack or day bag
• Portable phone charger
• Basic notebook or journal

Medellín’s climate is often described as “spring-like,” with mild temperatures year-round. Still, it’s wise to bring layers since mornings and evenings can feel cooler depending on elevation and weather.

You can learn more about Medellín’s climate through the Colombia travel guide from Lonely Planet:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/medellin

Pack with Service in Mind

Mission trips are different from vacations.

You are not traveling to be entertained. You are traveling to serve alongside others and support ongoing work within the community.

That mindset affects how you pack.

Choose clothing and supplies that are:

• Comfortable rather than fashionable
• Practical rather than excessive
• Respectful of local culture and community settings

Simple, modest clothing is usually best. Many volunteers also find it helpful to bring a few items they do not mind getting dirty during activities or projects.

Packing lightly also makes travel easier and keeps the focus where it belongs: relationships and service.

What You Probably Don’t Need

One of the biggest mistakes first-time volunteers make is overpacking.

You do not need:

• Expensive travel gear
• Multiple pairs of dress shoes
• Excessive technology or electronics
• A large suitcase full of “just in case” items

Most volunteers end up using far less than they expected.

You also do not need to bring unrealistic expectations about “changing the world” in a few days. Mission trips are not about becoming the hero of someone else’s story.

They are about showing up humbly, supporting existing work, and building genuine relationships.

Often, the most meaningful moments come through simple conversations, shared meals, and time spent with others.

Preparing Spiritually Matters Too

Packing for a mission trip is not only physical. It is spiritual.

Before leaving, it’s helpful to spend time praying, reflecting, and preparing your heart for the experience ahead.

Mission trips often stretch people beyond their routines and comfort zones. They create opportunities to grow in patience, gratitude, humility, and dependence on God.

Many volunteers discover that spiritual preparation matters more than anything inside a suitcase.

Some helpful ways to prepare spiritually include:

• Spending intentional time in prayer
• Reading Scripture focused on service and compassion
• Journaling before and during the trip
• Asking God to give you humility and openness

For practical guidance on preparing for short-term mission experiences, Christianity Today offers helpful perspective here:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/

What You Really Need Most

At the end of the day, the most important thing you bring on a mission trip is not an item.

It is your willingness to serve.

You do not need perfect qualifications, extensive travel experience, or special expertise to make a meaningful impact. You simply need openness, humility, and a heart willing to love others well.

Jesus summarized the Christian life with two simple commands: love God and love your neighbor.

Mission trips create an opportunity to live that out in a tangible way.

And in serving others, many people discover something unexpected: their own faith begins to grow deeper too.

Taking the First Step

If you are considering a mission trip to Colombia, don’t let uncertainty stop you from exploring the opportunity.

You can learn more about upcoming trips, volunteer opportunities, and The Emiliani Project’s work here:
https://emilianiproject.org/volunteer/

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

Sometimes growth begins simply by taking the first step.

Meet Our Volunteer Leadership:

• Charles Navarrete, President: As the President, Charles leads our mission with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our initiatives align with our core values and effectively serve the children. Charles co-founded The Emiliani Project, inspired by his experiences as a military veteran witnessing the plight of displaced children. Read more about Charles Navarrete.
• Matthew Monroe, Vice President: Matthew cherishes the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of orphans through The Emiliani Project. He emphasizes that even modest contributions can create significant change in Colombia. Matthew and his wife have two adopted children, Johanna and Gabi, who bring boundless energy and joy to their lives. His commitment to family and service reflects his dedication to living out his faith through action. Read more about Matthew Monroe.
• Cristina Ramirez, Director of Fundación Emiliani: Born and raised in Colombia, Cristina has witnessed the challenges faced by underserved children. Cristina oversees our foundation’s operations in Colombia, working closely with local communities to foster a safe and loving environment for the children. Read more about Cristian Ramirez.
• Bryan Hunter, Board Member: Bryan is driven by the singular mission of The Emiliani Project: to support Colombian orphans. He finds fulfillment in building homes that offer love and security to children in need. As the book of James 1:17 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Read more about Bryan Hunter. 

Now is the perfect time to plan your volunteer trip to Medellín in 2025! Join us in building and maintaining Hogar de Cristo and caring for the amazing children we serve. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, work alongside our incredible team, unplug from the daily grind, and dedicate time to serving the Lord and others.

Upcoming Trip Dates:

• July 12-20, 2025
• November 12-19, 2025

Our home, Hogar de Cristo, is located 30 minutes south of Medellín in Caldas, nestled atop a mountain at 7,000 feet elevation, offering beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. It’s the perfect retreat for those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in meaningful missionary work.

Join us in the spirit of Saint Jerome Emiliani and make a lasting impact on the lives of these children. For more information and to sign up for a trip, visit our volunteer page.

Ways You Can Support

As we reflect on this year of growth, your continued support is vital in empowering us to provide a nurturing environment for the children of Hogar de Cristo. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Pray for our children, staff, volunteers, and for God’s continued provision.
• Sponsor a child to cover essentials like food, utilities, and education.
• Join a mission trip to Medellín in 2025 and experience life-changing service firsthand.
• Donate or sign up for easy recurring donations via iGive.

Every prayer and contribution brings hope and love to the children we serve.

Plan Your Mission Trip in 2025

Looking for a meaningful adventure in the new year? Join The Emiliani Project in Medellín, Colombia! Our mission trips offer a unique chance to serve others, build lasting friendships, and unplug from the busyness of life.

Upcoming Trip Dates:

• July 12-20, 2025
• November 12-19, 2025

Participants will help build and maintain Hogar de Cristo, care for the children, and experience the joy of serving as part of our dedicated team. Learn More & Apply Here.

Child Sponsorship: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

This Christmas season, we’re especially grateful for our child sponsorship program, which continues to grow as we welcome new residents at Hogar de Cristo. With 18 children now calling the home their own, your sponsorship ensures they receive food, utilities, staff support, and education.

• Full Sponsorship: $325/month covers one child’s needs.
• Small Donations: Gifts of $25 or more add up to powerful change.

Learn More About Sponsorships Here.

Exciting Construction Updates

We’re excited to share progress on the new caretaker’s home at Hogar de Cristo. Framing is complete, and our crew is currently installing the exterior concrete board. This addition will enhance the support we provide to the children and the staff who care for them.

A Thought for the Season

As we close out 2024, we are thankful for the incredible strides made in both Colombia and the U.S. Together, we’ve brought hope and love to children in need.

This holiday season, may we all remember the reason for the season and the gift of love that transcends all boundaries.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
~ Isaiah 9:6

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With gratitude,
The Emiliani Project Team

It’s been an incredible year at the Hogar and it was so rewarding to see how happy the kids are to live there! We are excited to share the below video to give you a glimpse at the summer’s mission trip:

As always, we are so thankful for your continued desire to help orphaned and abandoned children. Your continued support is needed in the following ways:

• Prayer – for our kids, our staff, our volunteers, and for God’s continued provision
• Child sponsorship
• Participate in a mission trip
• Donate
• Sign up to donate using iGive