Back Home Reflections

Well, this was my first youth missions trip and it was so amazing! I didn’t really know what to expect (which is a good thing I guess) and I had some fears about going. Also before going, it felt like there were some “issues” going on on our team. But, God resolved them and He definitely worked through our whole team!! It felt like we were all one big family and we were just so united. In addition to that, fears that I had (and other people had too) just vanished and I had a sense of peace about going. God also reminded me that He had complete control of this whole trip and that we were all in His hands, and quite frankly those are the best hands to be in.

Some things that really stood out to me while being in Nicaragua were the hospitality of all the people there and their love for us. When we first arrived at their church they were getting ready to have a service and they were all so welcoming. Then we got introduced to our host home families and eventually went back to their houses to get settled in. Personally (and I’m sure the rest of the team can relate to this as well) my family was just so welcoming and I could tell instantly that they loved us so much even though they had never met us. Throughout the week they were always making sure that we were comfortable and asked frequently if we needed anything. Also, most evenings when we went back to their house we would just spend time talking and hanging out with them. Even though we didn’t speak the best spanish, it was still really cool just to sit down and talk with them. This was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Nicaragua.

Overall though, when we were down there, what stood out to me the most was just how they didn’t take anything for granted, instead they thanked God for everything and cherished what they did have. Sure they don’t have as much “stuff” as we do, but they were all perfectly fine with that. They focus more on the relationships they have with people rather than what “stuff” they have. Being down there we didn’t have our phones, computers, video games, etc, and to be honest, I didn’t miss any of that stuff. The relationships that I built with the Nicaraguans and with people on our team are relationships that will last forever, where as “stuff” doesn’t last forever. I definitely came home with a greater appreciation and love for the people in my life and just being thankful for what I have and not to take things for granted.