You just finished a mission trip, you’re on a spiritual high from serving, your phone is filled with amazing pictures of people and places that you never thought you’d see, and you’re treated like a hero by everyone when you return home. They’re on the edge of their seats as they ask you about the sights, sounds, and miracles you’ve witnessed. But you can’t help but feel…off. Like something is missing. Everyone expects you to be on cloud 9 because of everything you’ve experienced so you don’t feel like you can open up about this feeling in your chest that you just can’t put your finger on.
If this hits home with you, here are some of the things you may be experiencing -
Heavy Heart - You may be burdened for the country and people group that you served. You may feel unresolved after spending only a short time and after seeing all the work that needs to be done.
Sick and Tired - You may be adjusting / readjusting to a culturally different diet. You may be jet-lagged after long plane ride and different time zone. You may have even picked up something from the person coughing next to you on the plane.
Lonely - After spending 24/7 with the same group of people you probably developed friendships and a daily routine and expectation of spending time together. Now that you’re back home, you may miss seeing the same faces every day.
Conflicted - Maybe God spoke to you about a change of direction in your life. Maybe you had a life changing experience where you realized you were called to ministry and you’re wrestling with what to do next.
Bored - While you were serving and giving your blood, sweat, and tears, chances are you weren’t worrying about laundry, cooking, or household chores. You weren’t going to work or school. Nothing was mundane or boring. Everything was exciting, new, and exotic. And now you have to get up and go to work. You have to go grocery shopping, do your laundry, and wash your dishes. Lame.
These things are normal and okay to experience! You may not want to run to the supporter who gave you a thousand dollars and tell them how miserable you are feeling - but it’s okay to feel these things, don’t beat yourself up. Here are the 7 things that you can do that will help you get over the post-mission-trip-blues:
Sleep, eat, move. Most of the post-mission trip fog is actually physical. Fight jet lag by sleeping and eating at the right times. Make sure to get some exercise in. Getting back on a schedule will do more for your headspace than you realize.
Pray and read the Word - This may seem obvious but it’s a common tendency to fall out of routine in spiritual disciplines after an intensive week of ministry. Keep up the spiritual disciplines.
Keep serving - Part of the take away of a mission trip is “if I can do it there, I can do it here” - hopefully your eyes have been opened to look for opportunities to serve and to share the gospel. Ask your pastor how you can serve the church and/or local community.
Share your story - You experienced something that should be shared. In fact, we have a responsibility to share our stories. Much of the New Testament is Paul writing to churches and sharing stories from his missions. Share what God has done and share about the continued need. You may inspire others to go. The Holy Spirit may use you to call others to prayer and to ministry.
Stay in touch with the team - Relive moments, share pictures, and encourage one another to live life on a mission here and now.
Thank your supporters - Many have invested in you who want to celebrate all that God did. Give them an opportunity to celebrate and show them the gratitude that they deserve.
Pray about becoming a missionary / full time ministry - Is God calling you to become a missionary? Ask your pastor for books and resources. Meet with missionaries and learn all you can. The truth is we’re all called to “go make disciples”, so it’s not a matter of if you’re called but where you’re called. If you’re called to live here, then ask “How does God want me to serve here? Who has He put in my life for me to share the gospel with?” Either way, commit to living life on a mission every day.