When I was a kid, my dad read me a book about Gladys Aylward

A missionary in China many years ago. I was so inspired by her story and I dreamed of becoming a missionary one-day. I was dying to travel to a faraway place to help people and teach them about Jesus. However, the truth I have found about short trips like these is that so often the “missionaries” are doing the most learning. This trip was no exception.

Being able to ride down the Amazon River and stop among the villages has been unlike anything I’ve experienced in my life. The beauty of the scenery as well as the people is unmatched. God’s hand is undeniably evident in this place and in the faces of each person.

On this trip we were allowed, for a short time, a glimpse into the window of a different life. Through offering medical care and necessities, we witnessed the community these people have. They care deeply for each other. It was as if each village was one large family.

Before we opened up the boat for patients, we would meet the people at their school building or community center. Michael would share a devotion and sing a song with the kids. A few times, some of the crew even put on a puppet show. After this, we would head back on the boat and begin our work.

Many of the young girls we saw were pregnant. It was so common that it seemed noteworthy if a 14 year of girl did not have a baby. We saw one girl who had a 1-year-old boy- she had gotten pregnant with him at 11 years old.

The contrast to our culture is so great that it almost feels as if we live in different worlds. The people live so remotely. The villages we visited do not have grocery stores. They do not have cars. All traveling is done by boats- many of which seemed to be quite dilapidated by our standards. However, often times with missions, believing our standard is the only correct and proper one can lead to closed mindedness.

One of the most memorable experiences on the trip was when another volunteer and I played soccer with a group of men in one of the villages. They graciously let us join their game, even though we were nowhere near their skill level. There was a lot of laughter (mostly at our expense) and for an hour, we felt like we were part of their community.

While we were not working in the villages, we were spending time with each other- the other volunteers and the crew. All of the crew is Brazilian. Communication was difficult as most of the Portuguese any of us knew was “hello” and “thank you”, yet we were still able to make connections with each other that made leaving feel bittersweet. The crew was incredibly welcoming and more than friendly. They cooked us amazing food and even did our laundry for us.

We were blessed beyond measure on this trip, and my hope is that the assistance we offered made an impact, if only a small one. It was a pleasure getting to learn about Jesus and about life from these people. I pray that I can take with me their perspective as well as their contentment. May we not forget that our mission always starts with the people closest to us in our own community?