Before we start our full-time work at the orphanage, we went to the beach for two nights to get to know each other, talk about what this summer would look like, and laugh a whole lot! Although I was hesitant to go at first (because I am so antsy to see the kids), I am so glad that we had those three days together. It made me so thankful to have the opportunity to spend four weeks with these incredible people. We are all so different, but everyone brings something to the table that adds so much to the group.

It was also such a blessing to have three days to just think about why I am here. It's amazing how much God can show you in the span of six days. My mind has been going a mile a minute. As I was sitting on a beautiful beach, surrounded by children climbing trees, it made me think about what I was really doing here in Liberia. What was it inside of me that made me want to come here? See, initially, when I think about a mission trip, or a third world country in general, the first thought that comes to my mind is, "Oh, I feel so bad for those people." However, sitting on that beach, seeing those laughing children, I realized that yes, there are so many things wrong in Liberia, but my goal should not be to make these people's lives just like mine. Yes, I have been so blessed. I have grown up with a nice house, a car, swimming pools, Christmas presents, and paved roads. And I have absolutely loved my life. But these people have a culture they love too. As I looked around, I realized that they are surrounded by some of the most beautiful land in the world, they appreciate people in a way that I have never seen before, and they have faith that is stronger than mine has ever been. My goal has always been to give these children my childhood, but I'm slowly realizing that's not what they need.

Yes, my heart breaks in two for kids that don't have the love of a family. That's why I'm here. Please don't mistake me for saying that these people don't need help. These kids need families. They need someone to show them what limitless love looks like. They need someone to feed, clothe, and protect them. I'm not down-playing the deep need in this country.  I'm just saying that I think sometimes it's easy for us to want to "Americanize" other cultures in our attempt to help them. These people don't need everything we have. They are content living simple. Yes, of course we need to make sure our brothers and sisters are fed and healthy and loved. But I do not feel bad that these people don't have iPhones, retirement plans, and the nicest cars available. I don't think any of those things are bad, but I just want us to remember that their way is different than ours, but just because it is different does not make it wrong. Whenever you're helping someone in any situation, it's easy to just want to take over and do things for people so that it gets done fast and our way, but who does that really help anyway? Whether in Africa, or teaching school in America, I think the best way to genuinely help others is to immerse yourself in THEIR world. It is so easy to do the opposite, but I think we will all find that people can teach us a lot of valuable lessons if we just take a minute to listen to their perspective instead of ours.