"Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” That verse was found in 1 John 3:18; and that was exactly what we were there to do: show them our love and God's love by a simple smile. As we played tag with the kids for hours and sang and clapped during the puppet show, we were showing them pure love.
My name is Audrey George, and this was my first year on the mission trip to Dallas and Chicago. And as all "rookies" I was nervous, anxious, and to sum it up, a little scared. And even with all the amazing stories I've heard from the people around me I still didn't know what to expect.
It was heart wrenching to even think that those adorable kids with huge smiles were living horrible lives at home; that when we left, they were probably not even given enough food to eat, and yelled at by their parents for no reason. At St. Philip's school in Dallas, we figured that none of these kids that ever had a chance to get close to God, so we decided to try a prayer circle. Each girl would go around and thank God for something in their lives. Little Kathryn thanked God for helping her parents stop fighting last night so she could fall asleep. What she said sent chills down my spine.
On Wednesday we got the opportunity to play with the little boys for a couple of hours, because St. Phillips was separated with girls in one class and boys in another. I quickly became friends with Xavier, an adorable little boy that just wanted to have fun. We drove to Hawaii and then flew to Rome on the playground. And by the end of the day, it was so hard to say goodbye. I was amazed by how much you could only know someone for a couple of hours and yet love them with all your heart. As I gave him a big hug, he handed me this note, but it wasn't until we got back to the YMCA that I actually understood what it said. The note read, "99 men. . . Revolver. . . Gun. . . Sniper." This little third-grader had to grow up so fast. And the dangers and struggles he’s had to live with is something I've never known and may not ever understand.
This trip has changed my life so much because I have truly experienced God's love through these children and through each one of us. We all watched over one another and were there for each other when we needed it. I have made so many friends on this trip and as I look back so many fond memories. From "hot water" to "flavorless lemonade", everyone always made me laugh. Each person has made a great contribution and impact to the hearts and lives of each kid. God's power and love was within each of us these past two weeks, and I pray that the flame in our hearts will continue to burn forever and ever.
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