Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Puerto Rico

"...that rare mixture of foreign and familiar."

VOYAGE TYPE

Historical Site
Mission Opportunity
Outdoor Adventure

From beaches, to forests, to mountains, to old colonial cities, Puerto Rico has it all. This beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea is unincorporated US territory that feels like a country all on its own. Known for its lively music, delicious food, and kind and generous people, Puerto Rico is truly a sparkling island jewel.

A mission trip or pilgrimage to Puerto Rico allows you to experience beauty of the island as well as the diversity and resilience of her people. Outside of the major cities, many people continue to struggle from the effects of recent storms, and poverty exists even in the bustling tourist towns. A myriad of opportunities to explore and serve await you in Puerto Rico. A Wonder Voyage in Puerto Rico gives you that rare mixture of foreign and familiar.

Overview

Celebrate the Eucharist on the beach.
Ponder the diversity of creation in the PR National Forest.
Experience the marvel of a bio-luminescent bay.
Explore the Spanish Colonial jewel that is Old San Juan.
Assist in continuing hurricane relief efforts.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Day 1- It Wasn’t My Language
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Rico! Our week of service, exploration, and prayer in this island paradise centers on looking past our differences to see our similarities. From the moment we land, our language sets us apart, but it won’t be a barrier. Our goal is to love and serve our brothers and sisters who were affected by Hurricane Maria. As we drive toward the beautiful coastal region of Ponce may we prepare our hearts to encounter the truth that “underneath” we’re all the same.
Day 2 – 4 – It Was How I Cried
In September 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico as a Category 5 storm. The damage to the island was catastrophic. Even today there are many places on the island that do not have electricity or a reliable source of clean water. We will spend most of our week working alongside folks who have shed many tears. With hands and hearts we will serve in disaster recovery for some of the hardest hit parts of the island. Our goal is to bring a bit of joy and hope to those who continue to recover from the devastating effects of the storm. Our days will be a combination of hard work, cultural immersion, prayer and fun.
Day 5 – It Was How I Laughed
Our goal this week has been to look past the surface of things, to dig deeper, to see our common humanity. Today we take a day for rest and recreation and laughter. Like a smile, laughter is a language that is universal. It is something that can draw us together; it is something that can foster peace and understanding. A ferry ride from the town of Ceiba takes us to the island of Vieques for a bit beach fun. The afternoon leads back to the big island for a brilliant adventure on a bioluminescent bay. The end of the day finds us back in the capital city of San Juan with hearts filled to overflowing with love and laughter.
Day 6 – It Wasn’t My Religion
All too often our religion gets in the way of our faith. Today we have a chance to put religion aside and love those whose faith might look different from our own. We begin our day with a time to share communion with our Puerto Rican brethren. For our final afternoon on this lovely island, we venture into San Juan Antiguo (Old San Juan) for exploration and shopping. As our evening draws to a close, a time of celebration and reflection begins the transition of our hearts toward home.
Day 7 – The Same Underneath
Today we begin the journey back to our lives in North America. Instead of saying, “Goodbye,” we say, “Hasta la Vista,” which means “until we see this again.” It is our prayer that Puerto Rico and her people becomes a part of you, and that you make use of the lessons of love and hospitality that you have learned here. As we depart from this beautiful land, may we be mindful of the road we have traveled this week – a road of compassion, understanding and love – a road that reminds us underneath we are all the same.