More

"What has God opened your eyes to on this trip that is different than the other trips you've been on?"

     Well, this being my fourth trip to Bolivia and my seventh missions trip, you would think that my eyes couldn't open any more. But they certainly have.

      Culture. -- God has used my time here to open my eyes to a different culture. I knew that there were differences, but I have truly been able to see and experience all the little details since I've stayed for an extended amount of time. I've witnessed everything from political and societal unrest to the idiosyncrasies in marriage. Let me give you an example: finances within marriage. Here in Bolivia, usually, the husband and wife live together with separate bank accounts. Sometimes, they even split the children! Say it's a marriage with two kids...  the husband chooses to support one child, while the wife supports the other. Each parent pays for what that child will need. It's never combined. Crazy, right? Why do they do this? Well, they keep their finances separate because they expect someone in the marriage will more than likely walk out.  

     Me, Myself, & I. -- Something about changing your location opens up space for God to show you things about... YOU. Personally, I can tell you that while I've been here, I have officially decided to minor in world missions (while majoring in social work), and that was a decision I have been trying to seal for a while. God has also been showing me how to take things one day at a time. I have always been in a rush to get to the next step or to be done so I can move on to the next thing, and I've learned how important it is not to take things for granted.  Every moment should truly be a treasure as well as every person.

     Reality. -- Ever heard a conversation like this? "Like, oh my gosh, she said this, and then he did that... and now it's the end of the world!"   ....Okay, maybe that was a little dramatic, but we've all either been involved in this type of conversation or have heard it at some point. And it's not just the "average American teenage girl" but every age and BOTH genders. We spend so much time in drama that has no significance whatsoever. There are too many important things to be done for the Kingdom. In my time here, I've seen a new reality. NEED is the new reality for me. HURT is the new reality for me. These are the things that really matter and the things that have true significance. It's the real REALITY.

      I want everyone who reads this to know that God has so much more. MORE, I would say, explains what God has shown me while I'm here. The more I see, the more I pray that everyone else could see more too. 

     Thanks for reading.

If you have any questions about the mission of the Bolivian Hope Center or any other questions about my trip, please leave a comment below and I will happily answer them.