No one said it would be easy.
The travel days you think will never end
The goodbyes that might be forever
The homesickness
The ice-cold showers
The 6 outfits you wear constantly (okay maybe more like 10…)
The heartbreak
The home life that continues moving on even though you aren’t there to experience it
The feedback (positive and constructive)
The blogging twice a week (still working on that…)
The nonstop community
The alone times that look more like being alone together
Month 1 – Colombia; Me with my sunburned cheeks, Jose Manuel with his glasses glare
No one said it would be easy, but they also didn’t say how much it would mean to me. It’s worth it because we get to come out to these places and give back some of what we’ve been gifted with. We get to see the smiles on the faces of children who have been abused in more ways than one. We get to be the ones to bring joy to the community just be being friendly and building relationships. We get to experience a little of what their lives are like.
Month 2 – Ecuador; Me at La Basilica (this church was so beautiful!)
Throughout this journey, I have been shown so much. Things that I’ve never seen before and never in a million years imagined. The little boy who had been sexually abused by his 80-year old father. The girls who dress in skimpy clothes because that’s all they’ve ever known. The students who don’t respect their teachers. They kids playing soccer and having fun. The dogs who are cared for by their community. The people who work all day only to go home and work more to take care of their families.
It’s only been 2 months, but I already know I’m changed. I have more of a heart for people who are hurting and are in need.
So no it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Every minute is worth it.
Month 3 – Peru; All dolled up with nowhere to go but the grocery store
