[yellowdoghunter]

My children went to foreign countries on carefully planned mission trips many times with the church group. It wasn't ridiculous or stupid.

That is alot different than going for the party, night life, etc.....

I am glad to hear that your children did go on mission trips....those kinds of trips can change peoples lives and really instill a sense of pride in children.

[Protagoras]

Teenagers have no business leaving the country,

That's what I was responding to.

And I agree, their lives were changed for the better, no doubt in my mind. But it wasn't pride that they received. It instilled a sense of purpose and service in them. And it showed them first hand how most of the world lives. They appreciate their own situation in a profoundly different way when they return. They also have an understanding of what God expects of them in regards to other people.

And yes, my wife and I were worried, but some trips are worth the risk.