Whiz Kid: Tori Watson, Making A Difference

Whiz Kid: Tori Watson

Age: 16

School:

Group: Calvary Christian Mission Group, in Sumner

What are you doing this spring break? I am part of a 14-person group who will be traveling to Mexico on a mission trip. During the week of spring break, we will be working to build a home for a single mom and her three children. In addition to that, we will be staying at a camp for deaf children. At the camp, we will be working with the kids, playing with them and helping them to feel special. I have been gathering girly things, like nail polish and hair things to do with the girls. This place is very poor. The only privacy I will have for the entire week will be a three-walled, outside shower. I will change clothes, shower and dress all in that one space. There is no heat at the camp either, but it will be worth it. Inside the camp, our group will also be working to replace the roof on the laundry room. Whatever time we have left, we will spend doing whatever else is needed at the camp.

How did you come to the decision to do this mission? A youth group leader at church (Calvary Christian), Kyle Rogers, announced the opportunity to our youth group. Initially, I wanted to go to San Francisco, but it was full. Kyle suggested Mexico and I immediately signed up.

What did you do to prepare for this mission trip? It costs $650 to go, plus the cost of my passport and other personal essentials. We were given the chance to fundraise and request donations from family members. I did not use any of the fundraising money, because my family felt that together, they were able to donate the entire cost for me to go.  That way, the people who needed to fundraising money could use it to be able to go. Also, I have been working on learning sign language, so I can talk with the kids at the camp.

How do you feel about this trip? I am so excited. I just got my passport and I can hardly wait to go.

What is the key to your awesomeness? That is a tough one. I don’t really know. I guess I feel that what I am doing is good, because serving and helping others is important. It’s funny, when I do things for others, I usually feel so good. It feels like, what I learn from the experience or the people I help, helps me more than I helped them, if that makes sense. Also, doing things for those who don’t have very much really makes me stop and appreciate what I do have. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in life so far? Over the last few months, I have come really far in my Christianity. Preparing for this trip and the importance of helping others has really made me grow and feel good about myself and where I am going in life. For me, that is a very important accomplishment.