Top 10: #7

     Every year on Nicaragua, the team is different in numerous ways. The relationships built are always built in unique ways, some just build relationships within their small groups, and some within the large group. This year, I was ecstatic to go on the trip because of all the people I knew that were going on it. I felt like all of my friends were going on this trip with me, and I was excited to see how our relationships would strengthen. Then, I was put into a group with four girls I had no clue who they were. I was like really, first no Taylor, now people I've never seen before! Awesome. Well, it was awesome... these girls along with the rest of the team were amazing supporters and messengers of Christ in me and throughout the people they touched in Nicaragua.
    Our team was absolutely amazing, and they are my top seven because of it. I loved being able to experience this trip with all of the people that went. I was able to truly experience and talk about what was going on and what needed fixing in Nicaragua. I hugged people who were just strangers days before, I talked about serious things and cried over the heartbreaking experiences that God showed us with people who I never acknowledged in the hallway, it was amazing.
    Our team was truly a family; I know that is a cliche thing to say, but there is no other way to possibly explain us. I loved how encouraging everyone was, it was not an "oh my goodness, she is taking so long. Just let me do it," but a "You've got this, don't give up!" The team itself made the trip 100% better, because of how supportive they were.
   Not only was the team as a whole amazing but my small group. Never before during my experience in Nicaragua did I feel like my group was closer then this year. We all were there for each other, laughed, loved being together, and just simply enjoyed one another's presence. To be with all those girls was so much fun, especially because of our leader.
   And that brings me to the best leader on a mission trip possible. Katie Fields. This woman is phenomenal. Not only was she a great leader to our small group, but a caring and loving mother to all. When anyone was sick, even just slightly, she would comfort them and serve to them until they got better. One night it was rough for all of us because of our experiences, which I will talk about during another blog, Katie asked me how I was doing. I just climbed into bed with my Nicaragua mom and she just held me, just as my mom would have if she was there. It is amazing to know that there are people in the world like Katie, who simply love taking care of others. I cannot express in enough words the gratitude and respect I have for Katie. She selflessly gave up some of her trip to take care of the kids who got sick.
    A trip as great as the one I experienced requires a team as remarkable as mine. The Nicaragua'14 team was encouraging, loving, and supportive of each other from the second we turned out of Granger Community Church until today. I love my team and hope that I can experience Nicaragua'15 with many of them next year.