Was it valuable? Thoughts from #RestoBolivia2
So, RestoBolivia, 2017…led by awesome leaders, Eva Elizabeth, Endel and Kate. Followed by the rest of us…Rachel, Diana, Lauren, MacCrae and Bennet, child lovers and carers extraordinaire. Lauren and Andrew, worship and prayer leaders. And the rest of us, teachers, testifiers and also child lovers, Phil, Wayne, J.P., Alexa, Laurel and David, and me, Desiree.
What a wonderful group of dedicated Christ lovers with whom to experience my first Mission Trip. And what an experience it was.
The experience of love and care on the part of everyone in the group toward everyone else in the group before we even got to the actual work of the trip was true Christian love in action.
The level of care and concern evidenced over and over again for the well-being of each of us I have never before experienced. So awesome, words fail me.
The experience of a previously unknown country and people and culture was exciting.
The experience of participating in the retreat we led for the local congregation stretched me beyond my comfort zone. It was nerve racking to prepare a testimony for an unknown audience not to mention one that did not speak English.
But, nerve racking or not, I and others did it. I for one felt vastly relieved when my part was done and I am still basking in the relief of having it behind me.
But, was it a valuable exercise? Yes. I decided in the preparation that reviewing my testimony was something I should do more frequently than I have been. I really need to share my story ongoingly.
Of course, I’ve been talking about me. Aside from the impact on me of giving my testimony was the impact on those who heard it even in translation. I was amazed to realize how God used my words to stimulate responses in the listeners. I felt humbled by so many who had questions and wanted follow-up conversations.
And then the experience of loving on the adorable children in the boys’ and girls’ homes which we did for the balance of our time there. It was heartwarming to see and experience the love and care being lavished on the children by all, including us!, who come into contact with them.
The Mission Trip was a transformative experience in my journey of faith. And one for which I feel very grateful for the opportunity to participate.
~Desiree F
