Here I am in the airport waiting to board my 15 hour flight. It felt like only a few days ago that I was in this same airport waiting in anticipation to take off for South Africa. This whole journey has taught me some valuable lessons that I will never forget and will definitely put into practice back in the States. I have learned how to slow down my busy life and spend more time with my Heavenly Father. I have learned to appreciate the little things in life like a smile or laugh or a touch of a kid’s hand in yours. I have also learned how to be honest and vulnerable to people. But...

Last Day in Africa Well, this is it. The last day. It’s all so exciting and all so depressing at the same time. On one hand, yes, I’m so ready to see my mom, dad, my siblings, and my dog (who I can imagine is not very happy with me right now.) However, on the other hand, there is so much I can’t imagine just not having. Like I want to be awaken by the African sunrise at four in the morning every, and I want to spend most all day playing with kids. Going home means I won’t wake up and have KJ under me; it means I won’t be able to do Sunrise Yoga with Mackenzi,...

Wow this month just blew past! As I prepare to return home, I’m overwhelmed with how many life lessons and growth opportunities I’ve been blessed with. For example, the airline lost my luggage and I was forced to live without any of my own clothes or items for a month, while that may seem like the biggest inconvenience for anyone, it was actually one big blessing in disguise, It feels as if god was trying to show me that I don’t need anything to spread his love.  Where do I even start with my team??? I’m so so so incredibly blessed to have been paired with the...

An “uncharted adventure”. That’s what God has been speaking to me as I’m preparing to go home. This experience is one that only our Heavenly Father could have orchestrated together. The many laughs and the shedded tears our team shared is something I will never forget. This next chapter of my life is uncharted and that could be daunting to some, but as for me I’m ready to chase the adventure, to experience all the highs and lows that come with the risk. That’s what this trip has shown me: that when we let the Holy Spirit lead our lives into the unknown we...

   Hi everyone!!! It”s Cristina here reporting from Costa Rica. These past few weeks have been such an amazing experience, from playing with kids to visiting elders at a nursing home, God has been showing up in such miraculous ways throughout this trip. He is teaching me to be vulnerable with others and opening up my heart to the plans he has in store for me. This is important for me to take home, as I get to share all of the wonderful experiences and plans God has for me.         God started showing up on this trip from the very start. At training...

Right now we’re on a bus heading back to America. It feels very surreal. I’ve anxiously waited for this day for a long time now. I was excited for this day, but yet very nervous. I cannot wait to go home and give my family a big hug. I’ve really missed them. But, I know that going home means that real life starts back. In 1 week I start school again. That can really be scary. I’m finishing this journey just to start another. But I’m reminded that my comfort in times of change comes from the Lord. One of the ways that the Lord comforted me this month was through...