Happy Monday, everyone!
This week you’ll be hearing from another Union University trip alum (and former Union softball player), Sarah Kate Thompson. “Skate” as she is widely known is now the assistant softball coach at Southeastern Louisiana University where they just upset #5 Oregon earlier this month. Without further ado, the floor is yours, Skate!
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In May (2025), I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Navajo Nation Reservation in Bloomfield, New Mexico, with a group of Union University student-athletes. Though many of us knew each other from campus, we played different sports and hadn’t spent much time together before this trip. That changed quickly, and we got close fast. I truly believe I’ll carry their friendship, the trust we developed, and the lifelong connection we share.
For years, my summer travel ball schedule kept me from participating in mission trips, but I had always felt a deep pull to serve. Finally, this was an opportunity to answer that call—and the experience far exceeded my expectations. Each morning began with a devotion. Throughout the week, we studied themes like extravagant love, intentional community, transformative experience, contagious joy, and lavish generosity. These things came alive in the work we did, the friendships we formed, and the ways we grew throughout the week.
As a recent Union graduate and member of the softball team, one of my most meaningful moments happened on Monday morning. I chose to do my devotion and quiet time on a solid dirt softball field. Compared to the beautiful, well-kept facilities I had access to at Union, this field was incredibly simple, surrounded by a horse pasture in the outfield, dusty ground, small dugouts, and a cracked pitcher’s mound. From the mound, you could see miles of land with shrubs, some oil rigs, and mountains in the distance.
The Navajo people may not have much in terms of material resources, but that field was something special to them—and it became special to me too. It wasn’t fancy, but it held memories, and a sense of joy. Standing there with my journal in hand, I felt the weight of how fortunate I’ve been, and how God can use even the simplest spaces like the softball field, where I have spent most of my life, to catch my attention yet again.
Throughout the week, we directed a sports camp for the kids and hosted a field day—both of which were filled with laughter, smiles, and connection. We also painted buildings, organized a room full of donated clothes, and ran the weekly food pantry. I loved getting to learn about the Navajo people and their culture—it helped me understand them more deeply and gave me a new perspective on their community.
After our time on the reservation, we ended the week with a spiritual retreat at Monument Valley and Zion National Park. We hiked trails, stood between the towering canyon walls of The Narrows, and overlooked God’s breathtaking creation. It was the perfect way to pause, reflect, and soak in all we had experienced before stepping back into the real world.
This trip reminded me that service is not about what we bring, but how we show up—with a humble heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to be changed. I’m so thankful I got to be part of this experience. God showed up in every moment, and I’ll carry the lessons, friendships, and memories with me forever.
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We are so thankful for Skate and are blessed to have her in the Impact family. For more trip testimonies, stay update to date here with out blog, but also don’t miss out on hearing this stories on our podcast, “The Ripple!”
Be in prayer for our Union team that will be heading back out to the Navajo nation this coming May as we prepare them to lead and share the love of Christ with the amazing people out there.
See y’all back here soon!