Like Jesus Did - Riley H.

    So far my trip experience has been good and I have made good memories that will hopefully stick with me forever and I hope to make many more. This is my last trip and I'm taking that into account by making this a great experience and not let little things ruin my trip. 

    Something I'm very grateful for is for Riley Thorp who invited me to a youth ice cream social four years ago, which is what made me become a part of this youth group and lead me to making great memories and connections, and giving me the opportunity to go on these mission trips. My word I picked before this trip was assertion. I've always had hard time standing up for myself, and sometimes I think the best of people and it gets me in trouble. I sometimes won't stand up to people and I let them walk all over me. I can be afraid of what people will think of me if I stand up to them. 

    

    One of my goals on this trip is to be more assertive, and part of that is learning to speak up for myself when people say things that hurt my feeling. When people try to get to know me I feel like then we can have deep conversation, and I feel more comfortable being the real me. I feel like these trips have helped me be able to form those sort of relationships. I've been able to make great connections with Hattie and Calie, and have those deep conversations with them. 

       I think God lead Riley to me, and I didn't have many Christian friends or people who would talk about faith, until him. I have an easier time now expressing my faith, praying, and understanding the Bible and God now that I have a community, and I'm not by myself. Don't take your relationships for granted, and spend  your time connecting with the people who matter to you. Care about others, like Jesus did. Try and let Him lead the way. You never know how you can change someone's life, or impact them in a good way.