As the week progressed, we continually experienced feelings that spanned all emotions. We missed our families that were still at home praying for us. We began each day with excitement and nervous anticipation. We experienced great joy when hearts were broken and lives were changed, and we had our hearts broken by the stories and prayer requests we received from the children and adults alike. We shared the highs and lows with each other and grew closer together, sisters and brother in Christ. It was a bonding experience.

We came to give, but as the scriptures foretold, we received ten fold. What we take with us is immeasurable. I personally learned and grew, not only from the children, but also through each of my teammates. They all taught me something, about themselves, about me, and about God and his wondrous love. My teammates have been servants of the Lord and servants to each other. They allowed me to serve and to be served. From the simple things like helping someone with a drink of fixing their plate, to a hand on the shoulder, a hug, and prayers of encouragement during those times when our tank was on empty.

This has been my second mission for God. Through my first mission, God taught me to hear his voice, loud and clear like the spoken word. He showed me that he is omnipresent in ways that defy words. This time He gave me passion. He spoke to my heart, and told me how He died for me in a very personal way some 2000 years ago.

Today we head for home tired and drained, excited to be returning to our families and friends. We are better for being here. God has done amazing things in and through each of us.