For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

This Scripture verse remained close to my heart throughout the Dallas Mission Exchange – Koinonia 2025. The heart of this mission was simple yet profound: to understand and live the love and humility of Christ—not out of obligation, but from a sincere desire of the heart.

On the first day, through Project Finding Calcutta, we walked the streets of Dallas distributing food to people experiencing homelessness. It was my first experience of this kind. As we met and spoke with individuals, I was deeply moved by their openness and faith. Despite the hardships they faced, many spoke with remarkable hope and trust in God. It made me reflect on how often we, living in much greater comfort, struggle to hold on to that same faith. Their trust in the Lord, even in the darkest moments of life, truly opened my eyes.

A quote by St. Mother Teresa resonated deeply with me during our visit to nursing homes on the second day:
“There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.”
More than money, gifts, or food, what many long for is simple human connection. Spending time listening to their stories, sharing laughter, and being fully present reminded me how deeply every life matters, regardless of age or circumstance.

Beyond the service activities, what made Koinonia truly special was the sense of community. Staying with host families offered a glimpse into their daily lives, generosity, and lived faith. We prayed together at daily Mass, painted canvases, played games, spent time in Eucharistic adoration, and concluded the week with a joyful community night that brought everyone together.

Witnessing suffering and struggle up close was challenging, but I left feeling deeply grateful—for the experience, the relationships, and the lessons learned. Koinonia was not just about giving; it was about listening, being present, and allowing God to transform our hearts in the process.