After 3 months, I am finally coming home. I would like to tell you about the family that I have gained while in Central America. Starting off with my designated “big sister” during this time, Marietta, who was always so caring and trying to make others laugh, her child-like curiosity brought wonder to our trip. Then our other big sister or crazy aunt, Mi, was always there for me when I needed advice that I wasn’t sure where else to go to; Mi always provided a space where there was no judgement. The closest people I had gotten to was Kylee and Lydia however, Kylee has such an overwhelming love for others and Lydia is the kind of person you could always count on to be in your corner. Emi has been one of my favorite people to spend time with, she has a fire for life and her joy is unmatched. I didn’t exactly grow with brothers, but Boden, Eli, and Teague have fulfilled the big brother trauma I needed. While Boden is a jokester and definitely made me laugh till my stomach hurt, he has a servants heart that comes naturally to him, there was not a morning where I hadn’t woken up and there wasn’t coffee ready and breakfast being made. Eli is by far who I strive to become when it comes to knowledge of the bible, anytime I had a question- he would gladly and simply explain to me the answer and give my context on what I needed to know. Teague aka the dad of the group, is truly one of the sweetest guys I have ever known; the love he has for his girlfriend has been an example to me for what love should look like in a relationship. Jessica, our group leader, was always ready for a dance party or to just sit silently together, purely a servant of God, always wanting to help others and prepared for her next mission in life. Brooke is one of the funniest people I know and always opened to share her knowledge of the bible which has helped me in so many ways than I can count. Ashlin is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met and so talented in her love for music. Danica or as I would like to think of her “Wonder Woman”, her beautiful and strong character is by far a standard to live up to. Ella and Emma have such a wonderful humor but are also natural leaders who know how to lift up others. Ana, our other leader, has such a strong passion for leading others to Christ. Maddy has been uplifting since the day I met her, always encouraging me to use my voice and branch out. Sam was always so calm and provided a space to talk and feel safe. Bella is who I strive to be when it comes to worshiping our Lord. Stella lives up to the meaning of her name and is truly one of the brightest people I have ever known. It has truly been an honor to be part of a team with each and every one of these individuals.
Apart from my team, I gained some family while in Nicaragua and Guatemala. In Nicaragua, our host, Scott, was always there to provide guidance where he could. Our translators, Gustavo- who would always encourage us to speak out and provide a platform for us to talk to others about God; Tao and Derek- who I had the pleasure of being able to talk about Jesus with them both; and Kevin who was always patient with us even though we weren’t always prepared; will always stay within our hearts. The best driver in Nicaragua, Alejandro, while he didn’t speak english and I hardly spoke spanish, was one of my favorite people to be around- a natural leader in ministry. Esemarla worked with us in the kitchen and could make anyone laugh, I will miss her the most because she gave the greatest hugs even though she would tell people she didn’t like hugs (I always got a hug). And our darling Courtney, who is not native to Nicaragua, has come to love the country and loved us as her own family.
Within Guatemala, I have had the pleasure of knowing our hosts more as friends that I have known for years instead of only a month. Our wonderful hosts, Chako and his wife Kelsey have been so caring in every act that they do and ensuring that we get the rest that we need. Their close friend Britt was one of the most inspirational people I have met. Chicho is one of my favorite people to have encountered, always willing to give a hug or a laugh when needed. Abner, while I didn’t get to know him for long, has the type of presence that you know you are welcomed around. Benja, by far the sweetest person I have come to know, always giving me snacks even if I wasn’t hungry and always willing to help.
And I will not forget about my newly found family who is on mission trips across the world. Even though I knew them only for a brief moment of time during training camp, they were some of the hardest people to leave when I set off for Central America. Brandon, his testimony and journey in Christ is one that would change the hearts of many unbelievers and the best part is that God isn’t done with him yet. Grace, the first time I met her was in the pitch dark and she says to me, “Hi, I don’t know you, but I’m going to give you a hug.” has such a loving heart and almost made me cry when I left. Caleb, while I didn’t speak to him as much as the others, has such a wonderful passion for God and I wish I could witness more of what God does in his life. Jackson was one of my favorite people to talk to and Christian loves like you are already family which is what I imagine people will love each other in Heaven. Ella and Sophia didn’t know me for long, but instantly welcomed me into their loving hearts. Zach, although he is like a modern day Tarzan, is always there to provide help. Peyton provided the greatest conversation and Madelyn could always bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Knowing these people and loving them has been one of the greatest awards in my life. Thank you God for bringing these people to my life and making my family bigger.
🥹🥹so blessed