Scottish Catholic Observer

Caitlin Stuart, from Blantyre, who travelled as a student in 2016 with Missio on their GIG mission experience programme, has raised more than £400 by taking part in this year’s Tough Mudder event.

Held in Drumlanrig Castle Estate, the event requires participants to endure five miles of mud and obstacles designed to test their toughness.

Missio Scotland is the Scottish branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which is the Pope’s own charity and the official mission aid agency of the Church.

Speaking about her trip to Zambia, Caitlin Stuart said: “Two years ago I visited the beautiful country of Zambia with six other students as part of a trip with Missio Scotland to support young people affected by ill health in their community.

“We spent time volunteering in Mother of Mercy Hospice, Chilanga, an organisation which provides palliative care to the terminally and chronically ill in the community.

“As well as this, through the clinic, the hospice offers antiretroviral drugs to sufferers of HIV/AIDS, as well as education and awareness to help ensure prevention.”

Missio Scotland launched its GIG mission experience programme in 2016, offering small groups of adults or students the opportunity to visit church and school communities in an overseas country for 10-14 days.

Caitlin added: “My experience in Zambia was a once in a lifetime chance to come close to how the other half live. Not only was this a very spiritually enriching missionary trip but it also opened my eyes to the kindness and warm-heartedness of human beings.

“The people I met and memories I made will stay with me forever and I will always appreciate the many hugs and kisses from all the kids I crossed paths with. I believe it’s important never to lose sight of the many amazing people I encountered during my 10 days there. Please take the time to look into the work of Missio Scotland and, more specifically, of Mother of Mercy Hospice, to see just how far donations from Scotland will go.”

A spokesman for Misso Scotland said: “Caitlin’s mission experience clearly touched her heart and we are very grateful for the effort and selflessness shown to give something back to our charity.

“The purpose of these mission experiences is for the participants to experience life, Faith and justice from a new perspective and return home inspired to live a personal sense of ‘mission’ in Scotland—and Caitlin has shown those attributes in her charitable spirit.”

– To learn more about Missio Scotland’s GIG mission experience programme visit: www.missioscotland.com/volunteer or contact: [email protected]