“Life Changing”

Looking back on this week, it’s hard to break this trip down into a small simple story. The best way I can describe it is in two words, life changing. Everyone has their own version on what poverty, starvation, and real need looks like. The internet and the television loves to paint perfect pictures of it. But it isn’t until you witness it with your own eyes, interact with kids who don’t have guaranteed food on the table, and stand in “walk in closet” sized homes, that you fully understand. I was hit hard with all of these in the mere expansion of a week. It is a lot to take in honestly. And although this trip has left me feeling somber more times than I can count, I feel as though I’m coming out of it with an overall positive feeling. We were able to bless so many families with either food or water filters. We were able to provide a new garden at the public school for the kids to use as a place of relaxation and a place to read. We were able to show the love of God in all these things, making sure the recipiants knew it was a gift from God, not from us. We were able to provide joy in kids lives, where otherwise, they might not have much joy. I connected with a boy named Esteban. He has the most contagious of laughs. Seeing his face light up everytime the school bell rang to dismiss to recess was worth all the sweat from the overbearing sun or the exhaustion that ensued by continually spinning in circles with Esteban in my arms or helping him across the money bars or playing tag for what seemed like hours. It was even worth the tears that were shed as I watched him walk down the street to his home after I had to tell him I won’t be back tomorrow. I hope I had somewhat of an impact on him because when he left that day, he took a piece of my heart with him. I’ve been able to see God move this week and I pray I continue to open my eyes to the way he is moving at home. This trip will resonate with me for a long time and has really opened my heart to the beauty of missions.