Evangel Heights Christian Academy junior Riley Schuffert takes part in a group hug with children in San Martín Jilotepeque. Riley, who was part of the youth ministry team, worked with about 150 children each day.

Riley Schuffert's faith took her 2,007 miles from home.

“It reminds you more people are out there, more than just the U.S. It's hard to get in that mindset if you are here your whole life or it's the only thing you know,” said Riley, who is a junior at Evangel Heights Christian Academy in Sarver.

She recently spent seven days in Guatemala on a mission trip as part of a group of 11 people from the Christian Life Fellowship Church of Florida that provided medical and youth ministry to locals.

“The reason I went was because I have such a passion for sharing the love of God and helping people,” she said. “It was my first mission trip ever, and my first time out of the country.”

This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online to read more about Schuffert's experience in Guatemala.

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