Attitude of Gratitude

We are three days in, and each day I wake up with more gratitude than the last.  It is so beautiful to see God work through each team member spreading His love throughout this trip.  Connecting with everyone, especially the children, has been such a blessing!  

Today, we started the day attending La Union Church, the local English Speaking church where Love & Hope attends weekly.  The church was small and very family oriented; we were welcomed as soon as we walked in the door.  I looked around to see how God could use me and I saw a little boy grab a Children’s Bible off the counter and bring it over to his father.  I was familiar with that specific Children’s Bible, so I walked over to Michael and his father Abraham and introduced myself, and asked Michael if I could read the Bible to him.  His father excitedly grabbed me a chair to read.  Just to see that boy smile as I read him the word made my day.  

The message at church discussed the importance of having an attitude of gratitude.  Being thankful is how you live your day, because you recognize where you came from.  It just reminded me of how much I have been thanking the Lord for being chosen to be part of this mission trip, and what zeal that brings!  I thought how important having an attitude of gratitude is while being on this trip, especially with the children.  The children need as much love and happiness they can be around, and that is something that can’t be forced it is something that comes from within.   

After Church the group headed out to the local mall where we had lunch.  I ate lunch with one of the teens, Raquel, and we shared a few laughs while playing a few jokes on others.  She reminded me of what it was like to be her age, finding enjoyment in just the smallest things.

The team said our temporary goodbyes to the children at Love & Hope and headed off to Berlin to Hostal La Casa Mia where we will be staying for the next three days while we are building the home for Kevin and his family.  The ride to Berlin was about two and half hours, and I admired the scenery the entire time.  It was amazing to see how the people live here, and although very poor, how could you not see God’s beauty in all of it.   The Hostel is very beautiful- it’s like walking into a 1940’s time warp, which is so me!  I could live at this Hostel!  We had a chance to walk around, and experience the local eateries in the town square.   I am looking forward to the start of our build tomorrow!  6:30am is an early start so I’m off to bed!  Adios!  

- Melissa Ciancia