Risk More...

Risk More than others think is safe.
Care more than others think is practical.
Expect more than others think is safe.

This is just a small portion of a quote that hangs on my wall at home. As many of us have stated that as we packed and prepared to leave home, we were not sure what to expect. We knew few or no one else that we would be traveling with, but we were willing to take the challenge, that God set before us and experience a new culture. Then a group that has very little experience in construction, got signed up to help Habitat for humanity build a house. As we have two days complete working on the house, we have successfully helped the master masons, build the foundation, mix mortar, place the floor, and finished digging and placing bricks in the septic tank. We have moved rocks that seemed to weigh more than some of us, and we supported each other as we did these tasked. We have worked with the people and have learned to appreciate the culture that is here in Paraguay.

As we have been here just over a week, I have looked back and am thankful for the safety this we have experienced thus far as we have traveled and worked each day on the work site. Looking back on this past 8 days and realize that it was not chance that the 24 of us were brought together, but it was good, and through this experience, I am reminded of a question that I've been asked in the past. How has these experiences, affected you, your world, and your God?? I'm not sure that I can fully explain the answers to this question(s) just yet, but this trip has already begun and will continue to change my view of myself, my world view, and my relationship with my savior in a very meaningful and powerful way. As we plan to begin to travel yet again tomorrow, I pray that we will continue to have a safe and awesome experience here, and that you all will continue to remeber us as we find ourselves in yet a new country and a new culture.


Ashley