Jackson Glenn traveled with his dad to Ethiopia and came back changed.

Ethiopia (MNN/BI) ? Thirteen-year-old Jackson Glenn’s first time out of the country was not a luxurious vacation to the Caribbean with his family, or a class trip to Europe. Rather, he went with his father, a dentist in Grand Prairie, Texas, to serve the people of Ethiopia on a medical mission trip with Buckner International.

“The blessing is on the people we serve, but the greatest blessing is on those who serve,” said Rusty Glenn DDS. The trip was Glenn’s ninth medical mission trip.

Jackson played with children and handed out gifts brought over from the States. He fell in love with Ethiopia. He knew this trip was much more than a vacation.

“The Ethiopians, no matter how much poverty they’re in, they just smile, and they’re so joyful,” Jackson said. “I think we should take a page out of their book as Americans and just be joyful all the time. I just think it would be great for everyone like me to experience this whole place.

“It’s such a blessing to come here,” he said. “I wish every child and every American could do it. It’s just amazing.”

Buckner Health Services will host three medical mission trips in 2012: to Kenya, Honduras and Peru. Trips are approximately 7-10 days long and offer a two-day cultural experience. Read Full Story on onenewsnow.com