Impact Trip Reflections: The Pyle Family
An Impact Trip with Untold is more than a journey — it’s an invitation to be transformed. Unlike traditional service trips focused on projects, an Impact Trip focuses on connecting with Untold clients, staff, and the unique stories that shape us all. Participants are encouraged to leave behind expectations of "doing" and instead embrace the deeper work of being — reflecting on their relationship with God, themselves, others, and the world around them. One family that can attest to that transformation is LaShawn and Sean Pyle, Untold partners since 2022.
What did it mean to you to travel to Africa, considering that it’s the home of your ancestral heritage?
SEAN: Our lineage as African-Americans is connected to the continent of Africa, so being there was a feeling unlike any other that I’ve had visiting other areas of the world. There was a lot of thought and introspection that came from visiting Africa, the history between our country and the entire continent, as well as slavery, and imagining being taken away from the continent.
LASHAWN: I believe it was impactful for the local Tanzanians and those in the program to see people who look like them participating in the Impact Trip. It makes a difference when you see yourself reflected in a group. But equally impressive was the fact that you had a multitude of diverse individuals serving in a way that glorifies Him. It was a shining example of what God would expect from us as those who were created in His image to love, respect, and uplift one another.
Can you describe a specific moment during your trip where you felt especially connected to our clients?
LASHAWN: What really resonated with me were the client conversations during group therapy. There was a vulnerability around being HIV-positive, and the fact that they're struggling with being shunned from their community. That resonated with me because my uncle, who was called home to glory, was HIV-positive. I distinctly remember the conversations my mother had with me when she shared that he was HIV-positive and wanted to make sure he was received, loved, and not shunned. At that time, we did not talk about it outside of the family much. But listening to the clients share their stories made me more committed to the work of Untold.
What was the outcome of the trip for you? What are some of your biggest takeaways?
SEAN: I would say the outcome was twofold. Throughout the trip, the mission and vision of Untold were captured. You can always go to the website and do your due diligence, but there’s nothing like being up close and personal. That aspect of it was much more rewarding and enlightening. The other outcome was that while we were there to pour into others, we were being poured into as well. If you’re looking at the circumstances that many of Untold’s clients have experienced, they’re still serving God through their actions and the way they engaged with us. That allowed me to reset and ask myself, “If these individuals have that kind of outpouring of love under the most difficult circumstances, why should I be any different?”
In what ways are you staying connected to Untold?
LASHAWN: While we were in Dar in January, the center we visited didn’t have electric mixers [to mix soap during economic empowerment seminars]. Our Impact Trip group was able to purchase a mixer for the center while we were there, but when we came back to the U.S., we committed to raise money and see those mixers at every center in Tanzania. We want to bring others along and introduce them to the ministry of Untold by hosting a watch party — where we show our trip photos and share personal testimonies to see if they’d be willing to come alongside us and this goal.
What would you say to someone curious about an Impact Trip, but nervous about making the first step?
SEAN: Faith is the ability to overcome one's fear, right? Faith means that sometimes you have to step out beyond those things that you're comfortable doing and embrace things that you might feel uncomfortable doing. It all points back to Christ and his own ministry, as it pertained to when he was walking here in the flesh. He didn't discriminate against anyone in terms of who he interacted with and who he served. He didn't pick and choose based on how that person was living or where they lived. He served everyone regardless of their circumstances or situation. If we're truly willing to align with him and honor his greatest command to love one another, then that means you have to step out of your comfort zone and serve in a way that ultimately gives Him glory.
If you could describe you trip in just three words, which words would you pick?
LASHAWN: Impactful, heartwarming, and humbling.
SEAN: Enlightening, fulfilling, and life-changing.
Want to learn more about an Impact Trip and what it might look for you and your family? Watch this video.