(Spirit Lake)– An opportunity and experience of a lifetime. That’s how two Spirit Lake High School students sum up a trip they’ll be taking this summer to Tanzania, South Africa.
Kori Heidebrink and Chris Masad, members of Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake, will be among 21 youth and five adults representing the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They’ll be leaving the U.S. July 21st and returning August 13th.
Kori, daughter of Deb and Paul Heidebrink of Spirit Lake, tells KUOO news they had to write an essay describing why they wanted to go. The winners were selected from those essays.
Kori says she’s excited about the trip because it’s a once-in-a-life-time event that will change her life. She added human relief work is something she may pursue as a career.
Chris Masad, son of Lori and Randy Masad of Spirit Lake, says they’ll be very busy while they’re in the country. In addition to doing mission work, they’ll be going on a safari, visit the Indian Ocean, and going to the markets in the country’s capital of Darsalam.
Chris says he too looks upon the trip as being a life-changing experience. He says he learned about the opportunity through Marilyn and the late Lawrence Zech of Spirit Lake, who have been involved in similar mission trips to Tanzania.
Kori and Chris are raising money to help with their expenses. They’ve been doing odd jobs such as raking yards, window washing and so on. They’re also collecting cans and bottles for recycling. You can make arrangements by contacting Bob Gordon at 330-6544. Monetary donations can be directed to Youth Tanzanian Mission; Grace Lutheran Church; 801 Hill Avenue; Spirit Lake.
