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TREK debrief - Why and What? |
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Debrief phase is the third and final phase of TREK. It serves two major functions: closure on the past and preparation for the future.
How we end our TREK experience can stain or mark the entire memory of that experience. It is important that participants end TREK in right relationship with the people they served and with their team.
Secondly, it is important to properly prepare for life back home. People who do short term missions often see home with new eyes, which can be shocking at first. In the same way that one experiences culture shock when entering a new setting, they will also experience reverse-culture shock when they return home.
It is our intention that participants return home, better prepared to serve in the local church, and better prepared for the "Adventure of Jesus" back home.
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(TREKers experience white-water thrills as part of their re-entry experience) |
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What is the Debrief Phase?
Debrief is a time of celebration, sharing, healing and recovering. These two weeks provide a "buffer zone" of time to relax and refocus before re-entering the pace of life at home. Events can include:
-Sharing photos and stories
-Evaluating experiences
-Reuniting with friends
-Practical tips on what to expect when going home
-Silent reflection
-Rest and relaxation
-River Rafting
-Hiking
-Eating really well
-Local service opportunities ( Random acts of Kindness)
-Learning how to tell your story
Debrief ends with a Dessert Celebration Evening. This is a chance to invite local family and friends to listen to a few stories, see some pictures and answer questions.
 "On a personal note, I must express how incredibly proud I am of this group of TREKers. They had such an incredible maturity and attitude about their time abroad. They are well prepared for their time back home. As a staff, we love them and will miss them dearly! But we do remain hopeful and enthusiastic about continuing the friendship."
- Luke Haidle (TREK Director)
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