So this past week, I went to Bulgaria for a service project with YoungLife. We went for one week, in which we built a new playground structure, painted an existing playground, built benches, painted a fence, and did some general clean-up at a school for young kids (like kindergarten). At night, we'd have fun YoungLife clubs (music and a skit followed by a talk) which was then followed by Cabin time (small groups with the people in our "cabin".On Saturday, we left the camp and went to Sofia for the day. I was so surprised at how cheap everything was!! We ate a HUGE lunch of 75 pounds for 7 people!! We then did some shopping in which I got some pretty good things for a pretty cheap price. That night we all had dinner at the university and then had a final club. :(
We then had to wake up the next morning at 4 AM (shoot me) for our flight back to England, which really felt like 3 AM due to daylight savings ending. I was so tired!I had such a great time on this service project, and while it was so completely different from last year, I still had an amazing time. First, upon seeing the quality in which these kids go to school and the shape of their playground really shows how lucky we are to live in such blessed conditions.
Second, doing something for these kids voluntarily and out of the kindness of an organization really humbles you. Seeing how everyone benefits is just an incredible feeling, as these kids get the benefit of having an amazing playground, while we get the benefit of feeling satisfied with watching the joy of the children as they are now able to climb and play on newly built/painted equipment.Finally and most importantly, while doing the "service" plays a major role in the project, its the service to the Lord that is actually the most important part. As the same with last years service project, I have grown so much in my relatio
nship with God. Not only by seeing how much he gives and gives to us and how blessed we are, but also by seeing how he works through people. First, he works through all the people who put so much effort into putting this trip together (i.e. the work crew, site bosses, translators, camp directors, transportation, musicians, and the speaker, just to name a few) all for the purpose of introducing the story of Christ. Then he works through the students who attend the trip; some people come maybe cause they want community service or need it for college apps or CAS hours, and it ends up changing their lives forever. Every night, a talk would be given all about Jesus and how he is our saviour, and at the end of the week, watching a number of kids stand up and confess they have been rescued, well, its one of the most amazing things you'll ever experience, knowing that these people are now bound for an eternity with the creator of the universe.
nship with God. Not only by seeing how much he gives and gives to us and how blessed we are, but also by seeing how he works through people. First, he works through all the people who put so much effort into putting this trip together (i.e. the work crew, site bosses, translators, camp directors, transportation, musicians, and the speaker, just to name a few) all for the purpose of introducing the story of Christ. Then he works through the students who attend the trip; some people come maybe cause they want community service or need it for college apps or CAS hours, and it ends up changing their lives forever. Every night, a talk would be given all about Jesus and how he is our saviour, and at the end of the week, watching a number of kids stand up and confess they have been rescued, well, its one of the most amazing things you'll ever experience, knowing that these people are now bound for an eternity with the creator of the universe.
I'm so glad I went on Service Project and am a part of YoungLife, because by helping people AND introducing the amazing message of Jesus Christ, they do some of the most incredible work in the WORLD!
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