“Tuesday a group of us went on home visits in the village of Cotui. While we were sitting down outside a local house talking to the owner, an 8 years old girl from the village, sat next to me and intertwined her arm with mine. We looked at each other and giggled. She then turned my arm around to read the tattoo on my forearm and looked at me with great surprise. She then counted all of the earrings in my ears and started playing with my blonde ponytail. She followed me side-by-side, arm in arm back to our group’s “gathering” area. We took pictures and laughed; then she ran away to go play after minutes of trying to teach me how to pronounce her name, Genisis (in American). It was so refreshing to see someone more excited about my hair color than technology. Kids here find the greatest joy out of things / games they create, i.e. a little baseball with a stick and rocks, instead of being spoiled with video games and corrupted by television. All the children were so happy and grateful and full of warm hugs. It was a heartfelt, unforgettable experience.”

-Devin, 21 (Michigan) Dominican Republic Trip April 25-29, 2011

“The last day has definitely been my picture of the week.  I loved building the house for the widow and her family.  The family was so fun to interact with.  Joyful, thankful, giving, sweet and willing to pitch in.  The two little boys even joined in swinging the hammer.  I’m guessing part of it was fun to them and part of it probably felt good to help put together the house they would be using.  We celebrated with each nail they hammered in and the grins on their faces were priceless.  The most touching moment for me was when our leader allowed my Dad, Harold Smith, to present the keys to the house and to dedicate it to the widow and her family.  It seemed so fitting that one who has so much love for people would be able to present our gift of love to the family.  It was exciting to be a part of giving something so important and life changing.  I pray God will use this experience for his glory.”

-Marti, 43 (Kentucky) Guatemala Trip June 4-8, 2012

“My picture of the week was on the basketball court. I was playing 1 on 1 with a kid. While we were resting, he asked how to become a Christian. I told him. He said he wanted to live with Jesus. So he accepted Jesus. I nearly wept.”

-Josh, Oaks Trip March 19-24, 2012

“From the first moment that I set foot on Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, I knew it was a special place. God’s fingerprints were everywhere. They were on the pastoral tranquility of the lush surroundings, the graceful beauty of the farm animals, the charm of the buildings, and the warm welcome of the GVBR staff. Little did I know that all of this was just the beginning of a life changing walk with God. As the other missionaries arrived at the ranch, we were introduced one by one. All worship, all encounters with the boys and house parents, the food, the service projects were all good! This group is like family. God Bless!”

-Helen, 63 (Alabama) Goshen Trip April 1-6, 2012

“To pick only one picture of the week would be way too difficult.  So, I would like to tie all of my experiences for this week into one word, hope.  Despite all the poverty and despair, the Lord kept bringing me back to the word.  I saw hope in the smiles of the orphans as we played kickball.  I saw hope in the looks of gratitude the precious ladies gave us when we delivered food to them in the squatters village.  I saw hope in the eyes of the old man after he accepted Christ.  I know poverty will never end on this earth, and that I cannot fix everything or mend the hearts of all the broken people.  But what I can offer is hope through Christ.  As I share this truth with others and love them the way Christ has commanded me to, maybe that spark of hope can ignite into a blazing flame of change and I can only imagine what amazing things the Lord could do.”

-Aimee, 19 (Nevada) Costa Rica Trip April 23-28, 2012