I just recently came back from my first ever mission trip and I am truly amazed at how great God is. I traveled along with 19 others from my church in Corpus Christi to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Our group had many tasks, from construction to sewing to kids' camps and much more. And while the experience was totally new to me, I still felt at home and in God's presence wherever we went. I have many stories to tell from just that one week I spent in the Dominican. But one aspect that I would like to focus on is the children and the immense joy they bring to everyone who surrounds them. I thought I was there to change them, to bring them to Christ and see salvation. And I have no doubt that seeds were planted while we were there. But in all honesty, those kids changed me. I learned how to love despite the language barrier. And I am so thankful for that.

We did two days of VBS at a place near the church where we stayed. Most of the kids were elementary age. We sang songs and recited Bible verses in Spanish. And though most of the time I wasn't really sure of what I was saying, I could see the children looking at me as I spoke Spanish. Out of the corners of my eyes I noticed them gazing up at me to see if I was really saying what they were saying. I learned how to be an example even when I felt under-qualified. I am not as proficient in Spanish as I should be! And I wasn't sure how to minister to the kids when I don't even know the language that they speak. But God used me, even if it just meant reading the words off of a paper, to show the kids about Christ. We are to be the salt and the light of the earth, and I believe He gave us Americans that opportunity in the Dominican even if we felt clueless.

We played a lot of games and sports while we were there. Mostly games that I am admittedly horrible at! And the humidity there is no joke. Just standing outside in the shade had us all dripping in sweat. Each time we visited kids was exhausting. But each time, there was always one or two that gravitated towards me and did not leave my side. And though I was drained and tired from the heat, God gave me the strength to keep giving them piggy back rides and make them fly like an airplane. Because it was these little things that made them beam with happiness. Half the time I had no idea what the kids were saying to me. And at one point I was sitting on a bench with three kids behind me and I extended my arms out and they copied me, pretending to fly. I had stopped for a moment because I was tired and one of the girls was talking to me but I didn't know what she was saying. Then one of our translators said to me, "She said don't stop flying because you're bringing her much joy." My heart melted. I don't know what these kids have, what their homes are like or their lifestyles. But in that moment, I gave them joy.

I could go on about my experiences in the Dominican because there is so much that we did. But what struck me most is the constant joy that they had with us. Despite not being able to communicate with them well, everyone was happy. I learned that love speaks all languages and that is made possible because God is love. I am so thankful for my mission trip, and I can't wait to go back again next year. Love can be shown in the littlest forms, and that is amazing.