El Salvador: Day 0

As I sit here, I can’t help but anticipate what the next few days have in store. Waking up in the morning to the sound of vehicles speeding down the street honking their “happy” horns, the resident dogs barking, roosters crowing, and members of the Madre Tierra church sweeping the concrete floor of the church downstairs or making breakfast for the still sleeping gringo’s upstairs.

I love these people, their greetings (that I usually don’t understand), kisses on the cheek, and their warm loving hugs. These people are such an inspiration! They take so much care of their church and they continually love.

Mission trips are amazing! During the trip you grow so much closer to the team you go with. You might think you know them, but then you really get to know them on a deep level. Then there are the people you are serving or serving with. They are such an inspiration in so many ways. They work hard, love unconditionally, and it feels like you have known them forever even when it is a short trip. By the end they are your family. The best thing about missions trips (and life in general) is always God! He can take something so simple and use it in amazing ways. On your first mission trip you usually go expecting to change lives and show people God, but then the unexpected happens. Not only do you do that, but God also works in you though those you serve. You are the one who is changed! Their love and selflessness shows you so much about how we should live.

This year we may have a small group going, but God can make wonderful things happen through and in us! I can’t wait to share my stories with all my friends! They will be short, but when I get back I hope to add more or maybe type out my whole journal from the trip.

God bless!