Top 10: #8

     One of the goals in my life is to influence my friends in their Christian faith as much as possible. I love to see my friends experience what it means to know Jesus, to be saved, and to be loved unconditionally by the God who created us. In fact, that is what I want to do with my life, lead others to God. With that being said, my number eight on my top ten list is seeing my best friend grow in her relationship with Jesus, interact with the team, unconditionally love the children, and completely experience what Nicaragua is.
   A few years ago, after my first trip to Nicaragua, I would always talk to Taylor about how much I loved Nicaragua, the children, and just everything about the mission trip. Round two came for me to participate in this life-changing experience and I wanted my best friend along, but she could not go with the trips she already had planned that year, so she promised she would go the next time. Honestly, I wasn't to confident in this promise. Round three came, and she filled out the application, I was ecstatic! Fast forward through the meetings and the work days, the packing party is finally here. I could not wait to hear our names called in the same group, to confirm that this trip would be experienced with Taylor by my side. We were assigned our groups and I was crushed, we were not in the same small group together, what was going to happen? Why can I not be with my best friend the time I wanted to the most? My mom told me that everything happens for a reason, that it will be okay.
   My mom could not of been more right. To step back and see Taylor experience Nicaragua, I was like a proud parent watching their child play in their first sport. Taylor was incredible with the children, one little girl in particular adored her. When Taylor was sick and in the room, the little girl searched high and low for her American friend, disappointed that she could not seem to find her. Then the look on Diana's face when she did was priceless, she loved Taylor more then words can express. She was not only good with the children, but worked so hard to make Nicaragua a better place for everyone. To see how excited Taylor got when her first Nicaragua nail was finally hammered in, made me more proud then when mine went in. She worked so hard and loved unconditionally, she reflected the light of Jesus to every single person in Nicaragua. I cannot express how proud I am of my best friend during this trip and throughout the months after. She has truly changed because of this trip and I could not be any more proud of her then I am now.
   I love that we get to experience these mission trips with our friends, especially those we experience everyday life with. There is no one better to experience a life-changing event with then your best friend, and I can't thank God enough for allowing Taylor and I to go on this trip together.