Back to Life in the USA

Well, I am not sure if anyone is still reading this, but I thought that it was necessary to "end" the trip with a few closing remarks. Last night I was too tired to write, and today Josh and I started back to school, so this is just the first chance I am getting. If you are still reading our blog, you are REALLY dedicated!

Saturday was the last full day we were in Venezuela. We were able to experience some of the Venezuelan culture by doing some shopping around the city. For lunch, we had a welcome surprise of Pizza Hut...a reminder of the goodness of home! I know that Pizza Hut probably doesn't sound good to most of you, but after 9 days of arepas, salty cheese, and yes, even Venezuelan hotdogs, it was delicious. In the afternoon/evening, we went to the re-encounter. The kids were full of energy and happy to be back together. Youth for Christ will continue to hold meetings like this once a month throughout the school year. It was great to see how the ministry that we were able to be a part of will continue throughout the year. It was difficult saying goodbye to the kids. But, after like a million pictures and even more hugs, we made our way home to the youth for Christ house for the last time. We stayed up late talking with Simon and Mirtha, the couple that live at the youth for Christ house, and we were able to talk about everything that had happened. Simon, the director of YFC, told us that this was one of the most impacting camps they have ever had. It was a miracle to hear this, especially due to the tremendous trials we had when we were there. 5 members of our team were sick at camp, 3 very sick. There were times that I did not think that we were going to be able to complete the work that we came to do. But, in God's power, His work was done. By the time we left, 70 kids had accepted Christ as their savior and experienced the healing and joy that accompanies that. It was an incredible thing to be a part of, and I know we will all remember it forever. Simon said that he knows the prayers of our churches, families, and friends back home directly impacted our time at camp. Even though you all were not there, you were our partners in service! He is very thankful for what a support all of you have been.

It was difficult to leave Venezuela, and many are already talking about going back. Next year, they would like to run 3 camps in different places throughout the country, opening up many opportunities for people to experience the joy of service as we did. Even tonight, Josh and I were talking about how much we missed it already. I know that our time was incredibly meaningful, and we are each forever changed by what we saw, felt, and experienced.

But, we are home safely and back to real life. Today is Brian's birthday...Happy Birthday Hermano! Katie, Jen, Josh, and I were back to work, like the real adults that we are :). Mary Kate leaves for college on Wednesday, and Alex and Kevin are getting ready to start their senior years...right after Kevin finishes doing his summer calc work and Alex finishes his summer reading book! But somehow, as we adjust to American culture and life, we will learn to take a bit of Venezuela with us. And we will, most importantly, have an incredible story to tell about how our amazing God, who has provided for His people throughout history, still provides for his children today.

We hope that this blog has given you a little insight into our adventures. Maybe it has stretched your faith. Maybe it has shown you, once again, how amazing God really is.

And our final prayer request:
Please pray for the ministry that is going on in Venezuela. Even though our trip has ended, we can all still partner with our Venezuelan brothers and sisters through our prayers.

Thank you, all.
Becky