Loving the Least of These

I cant believe summer is coming to an end already. It seems like its just getting started, but now its pretty much over. OVU classes started on Wednesday, and I actually enjoyed them, and PHS starts on Monday, not looking forward to that, but oh well. Im honestly just ready to graduate and move on, but that will come soon enough, so I should try to enjoy my last year.

Anyways on to more exciting things. This summer was by far the best one yet, and I know I say that every year,but I had the most fun this summer, and learned a lot more about life, and this christian journey than I ever have in past years. The summer started off with the trip to Honduras with the group from GC. That week alone made this summer the best one ever. Our group was amazing, Ive been on a lot of mission trips, and I have never before seen a group of believers come together to serve in the ways our group did. One of my favorite things about my group was that whatever we were doing, from devos, to packing food bags, to just riding in the bus, we were ALWAYS singing praises. I loved that about our group. We built 6 houses, distributed 250 bags of food, visited and loved on kiddos from 6 different orphanages, visited Hospital Escuela, held a VBS, distributed clothes, helped feed over 200 kids at Nueva Oriental feeding center, gave Didasko Childrens home $3000, gave Casa $1500, sponsored 10 kids at Nueva for a year so they can go to school and recieve a meal each day, and found many other ways to be a blessing to those in this precious country. I was honored to be a part of this group as they attempted to be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a beautiful way. This group brought tears to my eyes as I watched them love on some precious kids, build homes for some of the poorest people in the world, bring hope to some very sick kiddos in one of the poorest hospitals you'll ever see, as they served with such humble spirits, it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. The week was full of laughter, tears, hugs, smiles, broken hearts, healing, and most of all filled with Gods love that was shown to some people who so desperately need to be feel loved. I cant wait to see what God has in store for next year. After the group left I stayed at Casa for about 3 more weeks, and had the time of my life. It was a whole new perspective staying there because you get to be a part of the little things that go on throughout the day, your there when they first crawl out of bed, and want a good morning hug, and to cuddle with you for a while, you get to help them pick out the best outfit for the day, or go play on the playground with them, or curl up on the couch to watch a movie for the hundreth time, your there when its lunch time and they argue over who gets to say the prayer, you get to lay down with them at nap time until they fall asleep with their arms wrapped tightly around your neck so they can be as close to you as possible, your there when they want you to push them on the swings, or slide down the slides with them, or chase you down the hallway, your there when its time for showers, and getting ready for bed, or when you lay down with them at bed time, and as you sing to them, they try their hardest to sing along, I miss those precious times, and its not something that you really get to be a part of on the trips. I loved it. I wouldnt trade those three weeks for anything in this world.

After I came home, it was back to work, and did a few youth group things. And now its the end of August, and time for school. This summer was amazing. I learned a lot about myself, and Im starting to see Gods plan for my life, I dont have it all figured out, but thats ok- I dont have to know yet. But I do know that its going to be amazing. My heart learned a lot of things that cant even be explained, but you know that there are some experiences you had that forever changed you. I cant wait to see what God has in store for my life in the next few months as my high school career comes to an end, and new doors are opened. This summer brought a lot of joy to my life, and I grew very close to some people and I know that their friendships have changed me in countless ways, so thanks to everyone who made this summer the best one yet, you guys are amazing.

Ill update about the first week of school when I get a chance, and also, more importantly, about the next trip to Honduras, which happens to be very soon! ...and maybe some stuff about next years GC trip! ;)

- Sam