Thoughts on the trip…
Starting out on this trip, I had no expectations what so ever. So naturally when we arrived I was extremely grateful that God provided for us in the form of shelter and food. When I first arrived, I was greeted by numerous awesome people. Agua Viva has been a blast beyond compare. There is something about the people here, all more than willing to serve in the name of the Lord, with only a moments notice. In Agua Viva I was taught to plan for the unexpected, to be ready to completely devote my energy to something that I have been asked to do at a moments notice. I was really blessed to receive the weeklong task of running paintball for the campers. I am an avid paintball player back home so I went into the assignment with an abundance of knowledge on the matter, which helped me solve problems with the guns as well as fill tanks. I even got in some playing time =]. It was tiring work, especially with the Language barrier constantly challenging my endurance, but the Lord granted me patience. The gratification of working to help kids have a blast and have them genuinely appreciate it was truly fulfilling. One of the most moving things that I experienced was in chapel. All the Mexican campers were singing there hearts out, glorifying God. It was then when I truly realized why I came. It wasn’t about me working. It was about God working through me to bring campers to Christ. Bringing Mexican campers to know Christ has been the whole reason for everything that has been accomplished on this mission trip. The Hume Lake team has really been like a mentor to me. Helping me in every aspect of my work here, and for that I am truly thankful. I have made a lot of friends, Mexican and American alike here in Agua Viva and I have every intention of staying in contact with most of them. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped get all of us here, those who came, and most of all, the Lord.
-Jared