Hello friends! 

Life here has been peaceful and full in the best ways. Each day has its own rhythm, classwork in the mornings, cooking meals together, stepping into ministry, and then spending time connecting as a team. Since we all come from different parts of the United States, we each bring something unique to the table. Some of us share games from home, others bring new recipes, and together we’ve built this sweet little community. The friendships we’re forming are rooted in Christ, and it’s been amazing to see how He connects us, sometimes through deep conversations about faith and calling, and other times through small things like playing cards, laughing at silly jokes, or staying up too late because none of us want the day to end.

In the middle of this beautiful rhythm, I had a moment last week during kids ministry at the church that really reminded me what this journey is all about.

We started the afternoon singing and dancing together, laughing as the kids did all the motions with so much energy. After that we shared a story about sin and how  God takes our sin, using simple words and examples they could understand. Their eyes lit up as they began to grasp the truth that Jesus loves them no matter what.

Then came game time, and of course we played musical chairs, a favorite everywhere in the world. The kids were laughing and running around in circles, the music blasting through the room. In the middle of the fun I noticed a little girl, maybe three or four years old. She was so tiny that she couldn’t climb up onto the chairs by herself. My heart went out to her immediately.

I walked over and knelt down next to her, realizing she didn’t speak any English. Thankfully another girl nearby could translate, and I asked her if she could tell the little one that we could be a team. Her eyes lit up when she understood, and from then on, we were partners. Every time the music stopped I would scoop her up and plop her onto a chair. She would giggle with delight each time, proud that she was still in the game. We managed to make it through about five rounds before we finally lost, but honestly, winning didn’t matter. What mattered was the joy she felt knowing someone was there to help her.

After the game she didn’t want to leave my side. We found a quiet spot away from the noise and started playing patty-cake and other little hand games. Her smile never left her face, and it was one of those moments where language didn’t matter, connection did. When it was time for her to head home, she wrapped her arms around me in a big hug and waved goodbye.

That simple interaction reminded me that Jesus meets us in the everyday, in laughter, in games, in hugs, and in moments of kindness. He’s been showing me the same thing in my own community here. Just like I was able to lift that little girl into a seat she couldn’t reach on her own, my teammates and I are constantly lifting each other up, spiritually, emotionally, and even in small everyday ways. Through peace-filled days, late-night laughter, and Christ-centered friendships, I’m experiencing His presence in ways I never expected.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Every prayer, word of encouragement, and donation helps me keep going and allows me to experience God’s love in such real and tangible ways. I am so grateful to have you supporting me as we see Him at work in the everyday!