I am finally getting around to writing this blog about the mission trip I took in June to Puerto Rico. Summary: it was amazing! I am so grateful for the ministry, locals, leaders, sights and my team. And for all of you who have come alongside me to serve the world, thank you!
Our team consisted of 11 people, including one leader. Most of us didn’t know each other, but God bonded us throughout the week. We traveled from the San Juan airport to Guayama, a small town in the southeastern part of Puerto Rico. We stayed at Iglesia Bautista Raham (Raham Baptist Church), which derives its roots from the Hebrew word for “compassion”. Pastor Francisco welcomed us and introduced us to church members who served us food throughout the week consisting mainly of chicken, rice and habichuelas (beans).
We met a couple, Bob and Melissa, who moved from the U.S. to be missionaries in Puerto Rico. Bob retired from his construction management job and now helps to rebuild homes after Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island. He explained that FEMA provided around 70,000 blue tarps as temporary help for roofs that were blown away, but there are complications with receiving funding for full repair. FEMA requires a title as proof of property ownership, but many people pass houses through generations without transferring the title. Others build multiple homes on one lot without creating subdivisions, so there are around 30,000 tarps still being used.
The first day, my group did yard work for an elderly woman who was recovering from surgery. We swept the roof, pulled weeds, raked and mowed the lawn. The other days, we worked on power washing and priming two roofs of other elderly families. Most of the roofs are made with concrete, which cracks over time, so they needed to be sealed to prevent leaks. Bob emphasized the importance of “people over projects”, so we got to spend time with the families as well, which was super fun.
We had team meetings and worship sessions, and we also went to a bible study the church holds. On our day off, we went to El Yunque National Forest where we hiked and saw waterfalls and a lookout tower. We ate at a restaurant overlooking the sea, and I got to try fried cheese dipped in guava sauce, which was delicious. At night, there was a celebration of saints in the town square with music, dancing, rides and food vendors. So fun!
I gave myself an extra day before and after the trip so I could prepare and spend some time experiencing Puerto Rico as a tourist as well. I stayed in a hostel and met people from France, Egypt and Australia. I went to the beach, explored Old San Juan, kayaked at night and ate local food.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me in so many ways!! It means the world to me and definitely fills my soul. Soak up the rest of summer! God Bless!
