For almost 30 years, the Wahlert community has traveled to Otway, Ohio, for an annual service trip to help those in need.

“It gives you an experience to really go at it and do service all day long no matter how exhausted and frustrated you might be. You get a chance to spend time with all the people that you’re there with. At the end of the night, we have really awesome prayer,” said Rachel Hefel, ‘17.

The trip lasts for seven days and consists of several different types of service throughout the Otway area. It ends with everyone being able to see the other worksites and how work much has been done.

“It was a turning point in my faith life because the community in Otway had such a great faith,” said Emily Jackson, ‘17. “Their sense of faith has really impacted me. I still keep in contact with a girl from Otway named Grace. When I went on Otway, it gave me a new perspective. I was already growing and searching for more, and here is where I found it.”

Every year, the service opportunites are a little different. The only thing that remains the same is chopping wood.  Last year, the people that went painted, organized a thrift store, and chopped wood.

“Each night we got together and for prayer. There’s no limit with that. We were able to talk about our day with everyone gathered around as a community. The prayer spoke on a deeper level for everyone because it meant something. It was real,” said Jackson.

While the goal of the service trip is to help change the Otway community, over the years it has inspired some change in the people that have gone.

“I really don’t take for granted the people and the material objects that I have. It was great seeing that the poor and the people we work with were so thankful for what we had done,” said Jim Kuhl, senior religion teacher.

This trip to Otway is meaningful for people that are helped as well as for the people that serve others.

“Just go. Be excited about it. Don’t be held back. I know I was kind of reserved at the beginning. Definitely engage in the late-night conversation when we’re all supposed to be sleeping. Just get excited about it because it is an awesome experience, and you’re going to enjoy it,” said Hefel.