There were 4 teams (26 racers) that worked together at the mission, Heart of Christ.

We built a fence with cement blocks. 

Got to spend the days hanging out with the kids that live at the house.

Each day, one team would leave the house and go into a local village to pray for people. We endearingly referred to them as “The Village People.”

Papi Lee, our mission contact, learned all 26 of our names and always finished a conversation by saying them. 

I slept in a hammock every night. 

I did yoga in our front yard as the sun came up over the mountains.

I had 49 roommates. (50 when Lana would come stay with us.)

I got to witness people being healed. 

I experienced healing myself. 

I stayed up late playing card games and learning Spanish. 

I only had wi-fi for 3 hours total this whole month. 

I was challenged everyday whether I really believed what I say I do.

Each team cooked dinner for the whole squad once a week.

Grocery shopping for an entire squad was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences for me.

Got to watch a moon-rise with my team.

Swung an axe for the first time. 

Ate a tamerine candy. 

Got free rides in the back of pick-up trucks to and from town by locals.

If you wanted to tell a group that they were too loud after quiet hours (which was at 9pm every night), you would raise 3 fingers in the air and whistle the song of the mocking jay. 

Volunteering for a position was by saying “I volunteer as tribute!”

‘Shorty, You’re My Angel’ and ‘My Heart Will Go On’ were played by our bus driver for half of our bus rides.

I had the best Valentine’s Day of my life.