August 6th 2009 was the turning point of my summer which impacted my life both physically and spiritually. It was the first time I ever went on a missions trip, and I was blessed to share that experience with my volleyball team. On August 6th at 3:30 in the morning, I departed California Baptist University with the rest of the team, our destination: Belize
After we arrived at LAX and checked our bags we waited at the terminal for our connecting flight to Houston, Texas. All I could think about was arriving in Belize, what kind of people we would meet and how the experience would affect me. After tedious lines and irritable security guards checking our multitude of bags, we finally saw the “Welcome to Belize” sign. Exhaustion caught up to us quickly on the ride to Machaca, temporary home during out stay in Belize.
We arrived at the Machaca outreach camp at midnight California time. We were greeted by smiling faces and a warm meal. The Machaca people changed all of our outlooks on life in a positive way. There one true love was Jesus, and they showed it every day. We stayed in cabins sharing sleeping spaces with scorpions, mosquitoes, and many other bugs I never saw before in my life. I am definitely not an out doors type of girl, but when I saw the people of Machaca be content with their living spaces and thankful to have the love of Christ in their life, the bugs did not seem so bad anymore. The great thing about this mission’s trip was the fact that we were able to spread the word of God, but also play and teach the Machacans the sport we love.
The weather, nature, people, and environment was something I never experienced before in my life, but every person and thing affected my life and walk with God in a life changing way. On August 9th 2009 five girls from my team and I were baptized in the Blue River in Belize. Words cannot describe how that trip affected my life. Not only did we teach the people of Machaca many things, but also they taught and showed us how to be better servants to the Lord and to be thankful for everything God has blessed us with. I thank God every day for blessing me with that amazing opportunity that changed my life forever.
I am so excited you got to go on a missions trip. I am sorry I was not there to experience that with you girls, but I know it helped bring you all closer together and gave you a bond you would not of had without it; just like our trip the Dominican Republic did for us 2 years ago. Glad you had the experience of a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteBeing able to travel far away with the enjoyment of close friends is a great opportunity. And the help you were able to provide to the people there is great. I would have to say your summer blows mine out of the water.
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