… and feeling blessed. I believe, in a way, I got everything I wanted out of my first mission trip, and more.

Firstly, the company was wonderful. I think that was the one thing that truly struck me as I think back of the four days we spent there. The youth of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that went are a group of open-minded and enthusiastic people and the four days felt like forever because of the number of new people I got to know relatively well: Eugene, Nigel, Joy, John, Julie, Ratna, Marcus, Thex. And of course, for those whom I already knew before who went with me on this mission: Nick, Polly, Greg, Fiana. I think the trip would have been much less interesting if not for these.

Secondly, I knew I would make my first mission trip to Indonesia. It all seemed appropriate enough to me. I had picked up a minimal amount Bahasa over my last three years in CSA and I was rather excited to be able to use it - which I did, of course. Now I know “Thank you” is “Terima KasEEH” and not “Terima KasEH” like I’ve been errorneously pronouncing for over a year.

And thirdly, was the opportunity to once again experience God through group sharings that were honest and open; to understand how God communicates with you through learning how he speaks with others. I had enjoyed such an experience last year at the CSS Retreat and I was grateful to be able to enjoy a similar experience with my group on the Mission Trip. To Eugene, Joy, Angeline, Vanessa, Kelly and John, thank you.

And of course, to Polly, whose photo I invaded. *grin*