Missionary Spotlight: Get to Know OHI Missionary, Mikayla Hyde

Mikayla Hyde is on a journey for knowledge, connection, and opportunity. At age 21, she’s one of OHI’s youngest missionaries, and she is loving every minute of it. 

“I came to OHI as a guest in January,” said Mikayla. “I was looking for inspiration for my next step in life. I did the 3-week program and found it completely life changing. As my stay ended, I immediately applied to the missionary program. My aunt had been a missionary at OHI 20 years ago and spoke very highly of the experience, so I was confident I would find an extended stay at OHI to be very rewarding. I was accepted into the program and set my start date for April. I spent February and March as a volunteer in Costa Rica and was also able to get my yoga certification while I was there. I came back to OHI completely inspired, and ready to take on the role of missionary.”

Mikayla has a very personal interest in health and nutrition. “I was diagnosed with Celiac disease 3 years ago,” said Mikayla. “I control my Celiac symptoms by eating a clean diet, but I still have inflammation and brain fog. The wheatgrass juice cleanse has taken my healing to a whole new level. The detox helped eliminate GMOs from my body and given my brain and body a complete reset. After just one month here, I feel amazing. I’ve lost 15 pounds. My skin is clear. I have so much more energy. And I feel myself processing my emotions better. With all those positive changes taking place in my body, mind, and spirit, OHI has only further deepened my interest in health and nutrition.”

As a missionary, Mikayla enjoys the variety in her day. “As part of the staff, I get to do a little bit of everything,” said Mikayla. “I assist with classes. I prepare juices in the kitchen. I work in the herb garden. It’s never the same day twice.”

Mikayla has also found great joy in helping with programming. “The Friday Night Live talent show is my favorite event. Everyone comes together to enjoy each other’s company and have a good time. The outside world just falls away, and you feel so connected with the people here. It’s really the social connections that set OHI apart from any other wellness retreat. The sense of community here is so strong. The people that I’ve met from all over the world are so inspiring.”

Mikayla finds immersing herself in the classes at OHI to be time well-spent. “I absolutely love the Alpha I & II meditation classes,” said Mikayla. “The Vocal Toning class is also a favorite. It offers such powerful healing. The food classes teach you such vital information about how to do the program at home. And the Eat, Pray, Live class is fun every time. It’s fascinating learn how to make your own almond milk and then take the almonds you just strained in the cheesecloth to make almond flour cookies. It feels good to learn how to make healthy, clean food that makes the most of every bit of food available to you. It’s as good for the planet as it is for your body.”

Mikayla was surprised with one fundamental aspect of the missionary program. “I feel so at peace and grounded living here,” said Mikayla. “I had this mistaken perception that by living and working in the same place with new guests going in and out each week that there would be a certain amount of ‘happy chaos’ to the experience. But I find just the opposite. The sense of peace that has come over me since I joined the missionary program is beautiful. I have really bonded with the other missionaries and find working together on projects to be so fulfilling. And the guests that come here are very serious about healing, so while we may be very different, we all have the same mindset. That connection with the staff and guests, the dedication to the program, and the release of old habits and beliefs that don’t serve me anymore has grounded me in a way that feels like such a relief. I don’t have to worry about my health and wellbeing anymore because I have found a program that will keep me thriving for the rest of my life.”

Mikayla has advice for anyone considering applying to the OHI missionary program. “You should pursue your passions,” said Mikayla. “Go through the interview process and ask all your questions. See if the missionary program would be a good fit for you. Then take the leap of faith and make the commitment. You will be amazed at the personal growth you can achieve when you devote all your time and attention to your health journey and the health journey of others. It’s a priceless experience.”

Thinking about applying for OHI’s Missionary Program? Call us (800) 588-0809.