Conclusion of Summer 2013

So a lot has happened this summer, and I can't quite remember all of it to be honest. So I'll try to make it brief and mention the highlights of my summer.

Cherokee Indian Mission Trip (Mid-June):

           This was the first of the two mission trips this summer. Up until this part of summer, I wasn't very spiritually active. Yes, I did my QTs and read the Bible on my own time; however, those things were created habits. I didn't do them with an earnest, sincere heart. But during this mission trip, God showed me the joy in serving others. The joy in sweating, working, and feeling tired so that others may see the love and joy that Christ has given us. During this half week long trip, I spent my time helping do VBS for the Cherokee Indians in Stillwell, OK. Also, we spent some time evangelizing to people in the neighborhoods by going door to door and in a nursing home.

Following the mission trip, I had two weeks until my next mission trip. I basically just spent time at home, working out, reading the Word, and playing video games. It was a pretty simple routine.

Panama Mission Trip (Late-June to July):

           This trip was so amazing. My eyes were definitely opened to many new things. I served in Playon Chico to the Kuna Indians for about a week and a half. Now that I'm typing this in September, it's hard to remember it. Honestly, this trip feels like a vivid dream. I can only live through the memories from the pictures I see.

           But I definitely lived in a third-world country. The natives' houses were huts made of dried branches/leaves and wood, but the community was so friendly and peaceful. It was amazing to see how people that have so little can be so happy and content with their lives. It got me thinking about how much I have and the things I could accomplish with all the resources I have. I came to realize that God put me in America, in a Christian family, in a prestigious university to utilize what I have to ultimately serve His kingdom. There's no time to waste. There's no point in wasting my life on things that won't allow me to grow and develop into the asset I need to be for Him.

           There's so much more to talk about, and I could type forever. However, this is the greatest message and realization that came to me through this trip.

I thought this concept was interesting. It's about making your life count with the time you have. That's really what it's about. What can I do during my time on this earth?