Monday, June 17 Tierra


Going into a mission trip, my initial thought was that I would be going to only help people. However, I didn't realize how much of an impact coming here would have on me. I got assigned to the education site "Mata Gorda," which is a Christian preschool. Even though we've only been here for about a week, the relationships I have already built with these children are unexplainable. I can truly see the heart in this culture and how strong their relationships are in this community and it's nothing like what we have in California. Seeing these kids every day has truly touched my heart and has opened my eyes to the fact that even though they may not have the same kind of material things that I have been blessed with, they have this sense of happiness that I have never been able to witness. Even though not all of them have a good background or strong household, I see this sense of peace and joy that they have in their lives. It has helped me learn to trust God because not everything is ever going to be perfect. I am so blessed just to have a loving family and a roof over my head. It's so easy to take for granted everything that we have but God really does bless us.

Today, we had a poverty simulation where we got to experience what it's like to be in poverty and have very little material stuff and how much of a difference it makes on those people's lives. In the game, I played the mom and I had three kids. One of them even died because I was unable to make enough money to feed him. That experience really made me thankful that I have so much but it also made me feel confused because I started to wonder why some people have to live not knowing when they're going to eat next or where they're going to sleep that night. 

As much as I really do miss my family and friends, I have grown so much and have this new love of serving others. This experience has been an emotional rollercoaster and it has been so amazing to grow closer to God and realize that relationships are what keep a community, not just how many cars you have or your income. 

Tierra


Comments

  1. Cat KuiperJune 18, 2019 at 7:18 PM

    So proud of my baby girl! God has been so good to us! I’m really thankful you are having this amazing experience! I praise God that you went w an open heart and that He is moving in you and through you! God adores you, Tierra and He adores all of the people you are with- who knows why He chose to bless us the way He did, but I praise Him for it and pray we are good stewards. We are praying for your whole team and the people you work with! Love you sm!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 19, 2019 at 11:52 AM

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Tierra. Sounds like an amazing trip! Can't wait to hear more about it in August!

    ReplyDelete

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