Like A Hot Coca-Cola On a Cold Day

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From June 11^th through the 16^th I had the privilege of getting to hang out with a youth group from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We spent the week serving in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. The group was made up of 7 girls from the youth group and 4 leaders that accompanied them. I had an amazing time getting to hang out with these girls and seeing how missions can make such a huge impact in such a little time.

Removing ourselves from our daily comforts opens our eyes. Not being able to sit down, drink a coke, flip the TV to our favorite sitcom and relax after a long days schooling is something that not many of us experience on a day to day basis. But for these 5 days, comfort was thrown out the window. We did not have beds, so we slept on the tile and marble floors. Heat and sweating all the time became the norm. But it is during these times, when we sacrifice our comforts, that we learn and grow so much in who we are in God's eyes and receive new eyes to see the world around us.

On Sunday, we joined in on the church service where we were staying. For these girls, it was their first time outside of the U.S. Everything around them is new. Language, culture, smells, heat, and people. But the people of the church were so welcoming and loving that we all felt at home instantly. During the worship service, things we so impactful that a few of the girls started crying. Not tears of sorrow, fear, or worry. But tears of joy. Happiness. Peace. The girls were at home. They felt connected and were moved by the spirit. In this moment they learned so much more than could ever be taught in youth group during summer break.

Seeing something like this reminds me of why I do what I do. Why do I seek to see a younger generation learn who they are in God's eyes? To see people share the love of God that they have received with people who may not know the love yet? To see freedom brought to those held captive by the humdrum of daily life?

Because there is so much more to life than just "I".

There is so much more to the world than just America.