In the summer of 2012, freshman Peyton Morrison along with his mother, traveled to Anchorage, Alaska on a mission trip with his youth group from New Hope church. Their aim was to minister children who lived in government sponsored housing and enjoy the wilderness of the state.

“[The kids] don’t have anything to do in the summer because their parents are off at work,” Morrison said. “The whole point of the program was to make sure the kids were out of trouble and have something to do over the summer.”

A minister from Morrison’s church came along in order to supervise the trip and preach to the children, according to Morrison.

“We taught them stories from the bible and there was a pastor who told them the stories and we helped out,” Morrison said. “I am stronger spiritually from this trip.”

One day the youth group went to Chandler Park in Anchorage and fed the kids lunch, leading up to a friendly bike race against the kids.

“[My] most memorable moment was racing bikes around their neighborhood with the kids,” Morrison said.” I saw happiness, smiles, friendly competitiveness. It was the first time in a while they have had that much fun.”

While working with the underprivileged kids, Morrison said he learned to be thankful for what he has through witnessing the childrens situations.

“We actually gave this one boy a pair of basketball shoes,” Morrison said. “He was really happy because the first time when we saw him, his shoes were really old and tattered up. He was really overwhelmed with happiness and he actually started crying.”

Morrison said the mission trip was a humbling experience working with the young kids, ages ranging from six to twelve years old.

“I learned that I am really fortunate to live where I am and that my parents are around,” Morrison said. “We made the kids happy who have little to nothing.”

Not only did Morrison’s youth group assist the less fortunate, they got to explore Alaska’s wilderness while staying at Blueberry Hill resort .

“I got to enjoy the wilderness out there,” Morrison said. “We went mountain climbing, white water rafting, enjoyed the weather and views.”