2016 NYAC VIM Bolivia YAM Mission: Summing Up a Journey of Love

Our Youth Ambassadors have wound up their memorable mission trip to Bolivia, and have great reflections on what the trip has meant to them. Here are five great stories from our youths transforming the world:

Friday February 19, 2016

Chad Jacob writes:

As our trips is starting to come to an end, I think everyone is kind of coming to a sensible reality and now is just trying to soak up all the last days that we have left in the country and with everyone on the trip. On our way to our last day of work, everyone seemed to be just thinking heavily on what the rest of the days will bring and what they have learned since we left. Today we got to see the big Jesus Christ Statute. They journey was pretty interesting especially the little road on steep hills we had to drive. It was actually fun and was a great once in a lifetime opportunity which I really enjoyed. The second half of our day we got to shop in one of the malls which had very different things to buy that I just wanted to buy everything. It’s sad to think about how soon we’ll be on a flight back home to New York. I’m going to miss everyone from this trip and all the activities I just began getting use to. I wish we could stay longer.

Elise Arndtsen writes:

When I arrived, I felt out of place. My version of faith does not include reading the bible or praying unless there’s a pop quiz. I didn’t know many of the kids around me. I didn’t know their lives or why they were here. At the airport, when the community met us with hugs, joy, banners and flowers, I was afraid. Because these people expected us to be something that I didn’t feel like I could be. I didn’t know what their expectations were. I didn’t know how they celebrate Christianity. I didn’t know how to communicate and they were all talking so fast and excited and I had been up for so long and everyone around me looked as though they were capable and calm and welcomed. And I’m pretty sure that feeling has completely faded. Honestly, I still don’t know if they pray before they sleep or if they believe in evolution. But they didn’t care if we did that. The community expected friends, even family that would try to connect and help out. They weren’t disappointed. Members of our trip were crying at the goodbye ceremony. Half of us at least expect to come and visit. We didn’t say goodbye – we said see you later. I’m not sure how realistic that goal is but I can tell you one thing, this trip strengthened my faith in humans. This community has tirelessly volunteered their time to build a church. They take care of each other’s children without a second thought. They deserve more than we could give them. The only way to move forward from this experience is to try to be like them. Try to be grateful even if the shower’s freezing or the bus is bumpy. That sounds really difficult to me.

Jonathan Kim writes:

Love is only a word until a moment or experience altars the meaning. I could not have made a better decision to go on this trip. The people, both from the NYAC and the Bolivians, have truly save my life. The generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, reception, and LOVE is indescribable. Today was the first time I was able to open up to someone other than God. After another wonderful dinner, (Amen) we sat outside and talked for maybe two hours. I felt comfortable talking about my personal experience (and tragedies) for the first time in a while. I felt comfortable talking about things I couldn’t even express to my own father. It was a short period of time, only two hours, but will stick with me for years to come. She is truly an incredible person with so much compassion and love that I think of the same way my mother was. There was sadness, laughter, silence, and a banana. There was faith and joy. There was the emotion that had been so present and clear for months. We are awake when we are not sleeping, but sometimes, even in alertness and open eyes, we still fail to wake up. I had realized that all this time, I had been asleep. Yes. I was asleep on the bus but even in work, eating, and playing the charango, I had failed to open my eyes and see the beautiful life that God has and will continue to provide me.

This experience has been a life changing one. It made me realize that richness is not defined by the possessions you have, but by the richness in your heart. Not only were the Bolivians, they were richer than all of us. I will never squander another moment in my life again. The dictionary defines the term to cry as “to shed tears, especially as an expression of distress or pain.” I do not cry often, even if I had experienced distress or pain, both physically and emotionally, but that day I did. Reflecting on it, I realized that I didn’t cry because I was sad, but because I was HAPPY. One of the last times I cried was during my mother’s funeral. I am now calling that moment, that experience, that tragedy, the last time in my life that I cried because I was sad, lonely, or depressed. This experience in Bolivia has me believing that if I can have the same compassion as the locals, I will always see the bright side of things and be with God. As I leave this country and say goodbye, I say hello and welcome a new chapter in my life. Because of this experience I have found God. I have found love. I have found HOPE. And it only cost two and half thousand dollars. :) As I continue on the journey into adulthood, and journey through Christ, I only ask for one thing; for God to lay me down, because I have finally found myself.

Saturday February 20, 2016

Katie Euting writes:

Today was very emotional for everyone. But before we had our goodbye ceremony with the locals we were able to spend the entire of the morning with many of them at a picnic in the mountains at Inka Chaka. We went on a gorgeous hike down to a river, passing waterfalls and plateaus with astonishingly beautiful views. It was amazing to experience and share with everyone around us. Then after opening our eyes to a world we had never seen before, we got to have lunch and share with our hermanos. This then led to going up to a small field and playing soccer together. Whether you were playing or matching everyone was able to laugh together. Due to the rain earlier in the morning, the field was extremely muddy, slippery, and fun. We all had an amazing time running around and laughing at each other when we fell. I did. After we finished at Inka Chaka, we went back to Lava Lava one last time to say goodbye to all of our new brothers and sisters. We all said some heartwarming and inspiring words to each other, and prayed together. Then they offered us gifts, handmade hats, a bracelet, and a Bolivia keychain. They all showed their everlasting love, and everyone was very emotional. We all wanted to stay forever. As we reflect on this experience, we realize that by connecting with these wonderful people this culture, and God, we have all become better people and will continue this growth for the rest of our lives. The world need more people like our new family, and am so blessed to be able to live this love.

L.J. writes:

As I sit here in Santa Crus, with a 7 hour wait ahead of us, I have ample time to reflect on this past week. Before traveling to Bolivia, I had never been to South America and I was very apprehensive. I was so unsettled that I waited until 10 pm the night before we left to begin packing. This trip has honestly been an eye opener for me that sometimes feeling anxious isn’t always bad because it can lead you to amazing memories. One of my favorite moments was when we were able to meet the youth from Cochabamba because they so much fun to hangout with and even though we didn’t have a common language, we all had young spirits which brought us together. Another small moment that I will remember forever was holding one of the cutest puppies I’ve ever seen. The grouped named him “Cliff” and by the end of the week, we were all obsessed. Through this experience, I have also learned that it is okay to be uncomfortable and try things you may not have previously enjoyed. For example, on the last day, we rode up to a large mountain and went on an hour hike. Now, for those of you who don’t know me, I am not the biggest fan of hiking. Although it pushed my comfort zone and was exhausted, it was worth it. It wasn’t about how fast you could go, or how many breaks you had to take. No. It was about building a community and enjoying an experience with our Bolivian family. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I will cherish these memories, lessons, and relationships for as long as I can remember. P.S. see you again soon Bolivia !