What Participants Had to Say

"It made me realize that halfway around the world, people still believe in the same standards." -Ethan, age 16, Michigan

"It helped me further my desire to serve a mission and to realize the divine nature we all have." -Kelsey, age 19, Utah

"It strengthened me a lot spiritually! I felt the spirit so strongly on the first Sunday at the Niteroi branch and even though I couldn't understand Portuguese the spirit was there and it was strong. I loved it and I loved the uplifting environment." -Chelsea, age 18, Arizona

"It humbled me to see how much we really have here. It has made me more grateful for everything I have. I loved seeing the church in another country. It really strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel." -Jessica, age 18, Utah

"(This trip) showed me how much Heavenly Father loves ALL of his children and how blessed I am." -Briana, age 17, Colorado

"I grew closer to Heavenly Father when I realized that He was watching over me very closely and protecting me. I also learned a lot about the kind of person I want to become." -Chelsea, age 18, Utah

"It helped me rely on myself more, and gain my own personal testimony. Getting away from technology helped me set aside time for scripture study and daily prayers." -Jacob, age 18, Wisconsin

"I went on this trip kind of expecting one big experience to change me, but over and over again, it was the little things that would touch my heart and spirit. I filled up a page and a half of all the little lessons I learned." -Brandi, age 19, Idaho

"(I gained) a better understanding of what true happiness is." -Nathan, age 16, Oregon

"I felt it brought me closer to Christ by serving His children." -Caley, age 16, Idaho

"Going on this expedition is hands down one of the best things I've ever done. It really helped me get ready for my mission." -Kij, age 18, Utah

"It touched me when the locals testified of Joseph Smith and his greatness despite him not even being from their country, but a distant land." - Connor, age 18,Oregon

"This trip was so amazing and eye-opening. It really gave me a totally new perspective on life. The people that I met down there were so awesome and I can't wait to go on another trip!" -James, age 17, Nebraska

"It helped me to realize what the power of God can do in anyone's life, whether poor or rich. I gained a better testimony of unconditional love and patience. I was strengthened by serving those who needed me and wasn't concerned about myself." -Tia, age 17, Colorado

"I really enjoyed myself there. The friendships made with both the locals and other HEFY participants will last me a very long time. I really appreciate the leaders and the hard work that they did to make the trip run smoothly." -Stian, age 18, Alberta, Canada

"This trip was by far the best trip I have ever been on. Yes it was very physically demanding and we worked hard, but with working hard we played hard." -Alix, age 18, Utah

"This trip was the best experience I've ever had. You can feel the love that the people have for you and how much even the little help we provided changed their lives hugely. I love the people of Tonga and have a great relationship with a lot of them." -Alexis, age 17, California

"I was strengthened by the members of the church in Fiji as well as being able to converse with kids my own age from their states about our common beliefs." -Emily, age 17, Arizona

"It was strengthening to me to see the saints sacrifice so much and travel so far to come to church. I loved basking in their spirits and feel the love they had for their Savior. I loved spending time with the children, hearing them bear their testimonies." -Annie, age 18, Oregon

"I never realized how much I had, until I saw how much they didn't have. I have never wanted to help someone so much in my entire life. I could have spent a year there and loved every second of it. The locals were incredible." -Allie, age 18, Utah

"I learned more about our Savior through this service experience than any other." -Kara, age 18, Utah

"This trip was the highlight of my summer. I love knowing that the service was needed and appreciated. It makes me feel so fulfilled to know that I really helped someone who needed it!" -Shannon, age 16, British Columbia

"It gave new meaning to Sunday being a day of rest and it made me realize how much service can help." -Ashley, age 16, Utah

"HEFY taught me that everyone in this world is a child of God and everyone needs help." -Zach, age 17, Georgia

"I gained a stronger testimony of service and the real reason we do it! And I also learned so much about gratitude, seeing that the Tongans have so little but are still so giving and grateful!" -Alicia, age 17, Utah

"Seeing the joy that the service brought to the people and seeing the strong testimonies of the members out there really strengthened my own testimony." -Lucy, age 17, Minnesota

"The example I had from others, those in my group and the ones we served strengthened my testimony immeasurably. The spirit I felt among those children was so strong that I wished I could have stayed to live with them." -Jon, age 17, Ohio