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What Participants Had to Say

Brazil

  • "This trip was a chance for me to not be a tourist, but to be a part of the people, to get to know them, to learn from them, and love them.  I will take that with me for the rest of my life." (Lindsey, age 20, Utah)
  • "Feeling the love the people in Brazil have for others, giving unconditional love myself, and seeing the way the Lord works in the lives of his children made me feel closer to Him."  (Becky, Arizona, 18)
  • "Going to Brazil was a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and experience another way of life.  This was my 2nd time and I would happily go again given the chance."  (Natalie, Idaho, 20)
  • "This trip was more than I had expected in every way.  I worked hard but I was completely rewarded."  (Stacey, Idaho, 20)
  • "The trip humbled me and strengthened my testimony especially of missionary work."  (Ryan, Arizona, 18)
  • "It allowed me to be absorbed in everyone except me for two weeks by providing heartfelt service."  (Melinda, Nevada, 20)
  • "This trip will always be a trip I will remember.  I was able to go to a different country and actually get to know some of the people.  I was able to serve the people, and found a love for them.  Most importantly, I found a greater love for my Savior, Jesus Christ." (Emily, New Mexico, 19)
  

Peru

  • "Going to Peru was a life changing experience.  It sincerely opened my eyes in realizing how abundantly blessed I am.  I saw miracles daily within the lives of the Peruvians we served, the group I was with, and especially in my own life.  I loved learning how to interact with different personalities and with a different culture.  The service we did in Peru made me realize how much of a difference I can make in this world." -Bryanna, 17, Utah
  • "Fantastic! This trip is something everyone should do pre-mission!" -Chase, 16, Nevada
  • "I actually didn't realize until I got home how much the trip strengthened me spiritually. It really changed my outlook on life and made me take a second look at my values.  Since coming home I have realized the importance of modesty, fasting, good language, and the influence of the media.  I wasn't the most active person before this trip and to be honest I didn't feel that much different at the end but when I got home and returned to my normal life I changed so much about the way I had been living." - Sydney, 17, Utah
  • "Peru made me realize that the petty things in life don't matter.  The incredible love you feel for the people you serve by the end of the trip is phenomenal.  It doesn't compare to anything else." -Alyssa, 17, Utah
  • "This trip has taught me so much about where true happiness comes from; it comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Peru is such a beautiful and enchanting country, as are its people.  I will never forget the feelings I had there!" -Alizabeth, 19, California

Fiji

  • "I became very aware of the sameness of our church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, we all believe something and I grew to love a complete village of strangers but one thing brought us closer together and that was the light of Christ, testifying to all of our hearts.  I will never forget the experiences I had in Fiji with my brothers and sisters." -Christopher, 17 Utah
  • "Everyone should go on this humanitarian trip to Fiji.  It absolutely changed my life.  Interacting with the Fijians, who are the most loving people I have ever met is something I will never forget.  We go there to hopefully change people's situations, but I came back with so much more than just having built bathrooms for people in need, I also came back with a strengthened testimony and a stamp on my heart put there by all of the Fijian people.  I will never forget this experience and I'm grateful that I got to go on it.  Thank you so much......!" -Courtney, 19 Utah
  • "I had the most amazing time of my life.  My plans for the future have all changed because I discovered what I really need to do and who I really need to be." -Garnet, 17, Idaho
  • "This trip was wonderful- the service, the culture and especially the people.  We got to work alongside the most loving and humble villagers, constantly play with their beautiful children, get to know the members and have amazing missionary opportunities.  It was the greatest experience!" -Katherine, 19, Utah
  • "Fiji is the most amazing island I have ever been to.  There is a lot of time for bonding.  At the end of the trip you realize that you never want to leave." -Nick, 16, New Hampshire
  • "The service trip to Fiji was the greatest experience I've ever had.  I still see the blessing from it in m life.  I've grown to love the Fijian people I served.  I know I will always be good friends with people I met in my AYS group.  I would do it again in a heartbeat." -Carly, 17, California
  • "From my trip to Fiji I have gained balance, perspective, faith, strength, irreplaceable friendships, fun memories, experience, and love that far surpasses anything I could have given or expected.  I fell so blessed for my experiences in Fiji and wouldn't trade them for anything!  Vinaka AYS!" -Nichole, 16, California

Boliva

  • "This trip has been a wonderful, life changing experience that I will never forget." -Brandon, 17 California
  • "The AYS trip to Bolivia was truly an unforgettable experience.  It was incredible serving with kids that held the same standards from around the world.  It was great feeling knowing what a difference we were making in the lives of the local people through our service.  I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to go and serve the people of Bolivia.  While I knew the service we provided would greatly impact their lives, I never imagined how this experience would forever change my life." -Alex, 17, Arizona
  • "This trip was on of the most amazing experiences of my life.  It was a true opportunity to grow, learn, love, and have fun.  I loved seeing the country and giving something of myself to help the wonderful people I met.  I will never forget what I felt and did in Bolivia." -Danielle, 18, Oregon
  • "My experience in Bolivia is something I will always hold close to my heart.  It wasn't a vacation, it was a hard trip, but one of the most worth while things I could have done with my summer...One smile on a little kids face made everything worth it.  My testimony had so many opportunities to grow, and I'm grateful for each chance I had to bear it...I hope many other people like me get the chance to serve in another country, because I know it will be something that can change their life.  I know I am a better person because of my chance to serve in Bolivia." -Jenna, 17, Utah
  • "Going to Bolivia was the best way I could have spent my summer.  Everything about it was incredible.  It changed my life in unexpected ways; I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat!" -Esther, 24, Canada
  • "I will always remember this trip because I learned so many AMAZING things that are impossible to learn any other way.  My advice: GO WITH AYS!" 

Dominican Republic

  • "This trip was AMAZING! It really makes you realize how blessed you are.  My testimony grew a ton and I learned a lot about myself! It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I'm so glad I did it!" -Makelle, 17, Utah
  • "The trip was totally awesome and I got to have a lot of fun with our AYS group and the people in the Dominican Republic. They are so happy and friendly with the little they have and it made me appreciate everything that I am blessed with."  (Nakeli, 19, Utah)
  • "The service was good for the soul."  (Ben, 18, Arizona)
  • "It made me really appreciate my relationships with my family and my life. I realized how much I have."  (Cleo, 16, Texas)
  • "AYS was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I wish it were longer."  (Joelle, 18, BC Canada)
  • "This adventure exceeded my expectations of what I could do, or feel as a person. I saw the world through all new eyes. Seeing how so many others in the world can be happy with practically nothing changed my perspective on life and will leave me a changed person. (Kara, 17, Utah)
  • "It was like totally the best 2 weeks of my life, seriously!"  (Cindy, 16, Texas)
  • "This trip was one of the best things I've ever done. I am glad I chose to sacrifice my time and money to go. I met some wonderful people and had some great experiences. I would definitely recommend AYS to friends and family. (Wrandi, 18, Utah)

Costa Rica

  • “There is nothing in the whole word more rewarding, spiritually strengthening or plain FUN that you could possibly do with your holidays!!” (Cami, 16, Vic Australia)
  • “I love serving and this trip has everything you could ask for: great people, great program, and a great experience.”  (Noelle, 17, Utah)
  • “Before my mission, this was the best two weeks of my life. I enjoyed everything, made new friends and my testimony was strengthened. I greatly recommend this experience to anyone—it’s worth it!”  (Brad, 18, Nevada)
  • “This trip changed my life both spiritually and in my whole outlook on life. I will never forget my experiences here.”  (Kiley, 18, Hawaii)
  • “It was a great experience. I made new friends and absolutely loved it!”  (Brianne, 17, Utah)
  • “The opportunity to serve others across the world and receive spiritual enlightenment was a blessing I could have only received on this trip.” (Jill, 19, Utah)
  • “It was amazing. A true life changing experience.” (Kiefer, 17, Oklahoma)
  • “Not only was this a culturally, spiritually, and physically uplifting experience…it was SO fun and hilarious to live with twenty kids…for two weeks…straight…haha!” (Kathy, 19, Utah)
  • “Nothing but good can come from going.”  (Nicole, 18, Alberta)
  • “We grew sideways and spiritually all in one trip! I’ll never forget July 2007! I loved this trip so much! Thank you for an unforgettable two and a half weeks!!” (Alyssa, 18, Utah)
  • “Most amazing experience I’ve ever had.” (Heather, 18, California)
  • “…ye are only in the service of your God. There is no better feeling than that.” (Kellie, 20, New Hampshire)

New Zealand

  • "It was an experience of a lifetime. The Lord watched over us and blessed us day to day as we served another man to build a beautiful home." (Jamie, California, 19)
  • "Being surrounded by LDS youth and people has truly strengthened my testimony and me as a person. It was amazing. I learned so much that I will use for the rest of my life." (Amanda, Washington, 18)
  • "Not only was the trip a great opportunity to serve those who are in need, but the trip provided a spiritual and uplifting atmosphere. I loved it!" (Andrew, California, 18)
  • "It is an experience of a lifetime! I have grown spiritually as I have served my fellow men and learned about their culture." (Meg, Texas, 17)
  • "This trip helped my spirit take a long sigh. Its great to have people who help you live the gospel. You truly make friends for a lifetime!" (Fawn, Louisiana, 18)
  • "I have learned a lot about service, other people, and myself. It has strengthened my testimony and has changed my life." (Blake, Utah, 17)
  • "Staying with a host family and giving service was the best thing I could've done this summer. Money could not have been put in a better place. The activities were great, too!" (Elisa, California, 18)
  • "It was a great experience and I would do it over and over again." (Braydon, Utah, 18)

Appalachia

  • “I learned that the Lord works through our hands when we serve.  I truly felt the love that Christ has for all people, rich or poor.  The friendships that I made will forever by in my heart, and will never be forgotten.”  (Andrea, Idaho, 17)
  • “I learned I can make a difference in someone’s life.” (Zach, Utah 17)
  • “I had time to think about how I treat others and what I have.  I feel while blessing others, I was blessed immensely.”  (Miranda, Virginia, 16)
  • “It opened my eyes to how fortunate I am.”  (Justin, Utah, 17)
  • “It taught me to not worry so much about worldly possessions.”  (Katie, Idaho, 17)
  • “It taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned any other way.  I’ll never be the same.”  (Camille, Utah, 17)
  • “This was the most amazing experience of my life.  I learned so much about myself and my savior.  I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world.”  (Kristen, Utah, 18)
  • "This trip opened my eyes to a whole different world.  Working with my team brought us closer together and made me appreciate how blessed and fortunate I am to have what I do.”  (Natalie, California, 17)
  • “The trip made me realize how much I have and how I should get out of my “little world” and see that God has blessed me.”  (Diana, California, 16)

Tonga

  •  "This was truly a powerful and amazing service trip. I learned so much to help prepare me for my mission and life in general ." (Andrew, 18)
  • "I knew we would be feeling joy in the spirit, but I didn't expect the spirit to change me the way it did. I feel like an enriched person because of my experiences in Tonga with AYS." (Taryn, 19)
  • "I would go on this trip again in a heartbeat. The people are so amazing out there because they are so close to God in many ways. They were so in tune with the spirit and they taught me how to do the same." (Elisabeth, 18)
  • "This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget! My testimony of the gospel has strengthened so much and I now know more about myself and what my purpose is in life. I've come to the wonderful realization that the church is exactly the same, no matter where you go in the world or what language is spoken." (Lindsey, 16)
  • "My trip to Tonga was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. Going into the trip, I was expecting to bless others with my service. While that was true, the Tongans gratitude and the blessings I've received have given me back more than I sacrificed! The Spirit and humility that I was able to feel in the members homes was incredible. Everyone I met on the trip inspired me in some way to just try a little harder to be better. It was a life-changing experience that I'm so glad to have completed. I love Tonga!" (Jolina, 16)
  • "I learned that each one of us, no matter our circumstances, can give more to the world. We just have to choose to do it!" (Melissa, 18)
  • "Going to Tonga is something I'll cherish forever. I am so glad that I found AYS. There are really no other programs that allow LDS teenagers to go somewhere foreign and do a service project like this." (Joselyn, 16)