PAA Students Serve in Oaxaca Through Faith in Action

Fifteen students from Portland Adventist Academy recently traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, alongside Pastor Fernando and Yarely, to serve with The SMILES Foundation in a week filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

Each day, students led a Christian day camp for local children ranging from preschool through middle school. Through crafts, games, music, and storytelling, they created a space where children felt seen, valued, and loved. Centered on the fruit of the Spirit, the camp invited kids to explore themes like kindness, patience, and joy in ways that were engaging and meaningful.

Our students quickly stepped into leadership roles, building relationships that crossed language and cultural differences. Whether helping a child complete a craft, leading a game under the warm Oaxaca sun, or sharing a story, they served with compassion, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Beyond the daily activities, the experience challenged students to grow in empathy, flexibility, and faith. They learned the power of showing up, of offering their time and energy, and of sharing God’s love in simple but impactful ways.

The Mexico Mission Trip was more than a week of service. It was a reminder that when we step outside of ourselves and into the lives of others, we not only make a difference, we are changed as well.