Even sleeping on a concrete floor every night while in Chicago couldn’t take away the satisfaction Senior Mitch Bateman received from the experiences on one of his trips.

All he wants to do is help others and experience what it is like to travel to other parts of the world. Bateman takes advantage of the opportunities of going on mission trips with his church, First Baptist Church in Geneva, and making a difference by helping others. His resume includes traveling to Roseland on the south side of Chicago, making international trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico twice and also Quito, Ecuador.

“I just go on the trips for the experience. To go to different countries is really cool and being able to see everything there is nice, and also helping out the people there in any way we can,” Bateman said.

Bateman’s first trip was when he was 13 in the summer before his freshmen year. Nerves ran throughout his body because he had no idea what was going on. Obviously those feelings have changed since then; he is now eager and excited to go on future missionary trips.

Through the First Baptist Church, Bateman has not only been able to make a difference in others lives, but also in his own.

“The way I view things in life now is different. The appreciation of common things has gone up greatly,” Bateman said.

He has created several new friendships, and many have solidified over time. Rick Bormon, who grew up in the jungles of Ecuador with a native Ecuadorian tribe, is among the more notable people that Bateman has connected with. He also continues to make contact with other friends across the United States.

“I have worked with people from all over the U.S. and still talk to them today,” Bateman said.

Achievements and prosperity are the products of hard work and that is exactly what Bateman received. Bateman went on a hiking trip through the Ecuadorian jungle, which was a moment he will never forget. The wildlife there was unbelievable, and being able to hike through a jungle was a great experience, he said.

He also had the rare chance to hold a live scorpion in his hand. The moments he experienced will last a lifetime, especially the time when he was soaked by a downpour while standing right next to a waterfall. Or the humorous time he was cutting down branches with a machete, and an unknown insect fell straight onto his face. Feelings of fear then laughter followed after that.   These moments he will be grateful for and appreciate forever.

“It was like nothing I had ever seen before, and it was just beautiful and everything about it was extremely exotic and wonderful,” Bateman said.

Ecuador, in many ways, is different from life in Illinois from the geographical features and economy.

“The community down there is decently well developed, but still has a long way to go, and I would assist them in any way possible,” Bateman said.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a prime location for tourists abroad. Beautiful beaches and exceptional weather highlight this city, but Bateman’s group resided in the run-down portion of the city to work with little kids and people from his church. More friendships arose from his trip there from working with other people constantly from Virginia and Ohio, along with the kids they had the opportunity to work with.

The only hardships he has endured on his endeavors are when drama arises between the people in his group.

“I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything negative while being on these trips. I have loved every moment and the experience which you get to have is worth everything,” Bateman said.