Benefits

• Seeing the joy of the children
• New experiences as you live for a few days away from your regular routine
• Personal spiritual renewal 
• The encounter with new challenges
• Building new and/or stronger friendships
• Seeing the Holy Spirit at work in another cultural setting
• Feeling that you're making a difference in someone's life situation
• Appreciation of another culture
• Opportunity to receive from other brothers/sisters in Christ

Difficulties

• Encountering language barriers
• Having to put up with the lack of conveniences that are part of your everyday life at home
• Feeling there isn't enough time to do everything
• Being more tired that usual
• Enduring a long drive to the border
• Eating foods you are not used to
• Trying to find a place to be alone for a quiet time
• Being in the same room with people who snore (bring some ear plugs!)