It's difficult to put all my thoughts together and to pick highlights from the trip.  I feel like everytime I talk to someone I remember something different--there is just so much to reflect on and compile.  One of the greatest things that sticks out is just a common theme that God has been showing me this summer.  When I went to World Changers in June, I heard a sermon at our host church, it was about God breaking us and making us broken vessels so that His glory may shine through our brokenness.  It is a perfect reminder that nothing is possible through our own strength because we are human and thus imperfect.  But it is God's grace and mercy that allows us to be used by Him and more importantly it is a reminder that I am His beloved daughter. 

*Small group sessions were difficult because they were held in Ukrainian with little to no translation.  So at times I would be sitting there and thinking about other things but trying to stay focused and to pray for the campers.  One night I prayed that I would see God working during the small group time even though I don't understand what is being said and all of a sudden in the small group next to us I hear, "We have a new sister!" :) 
*Sharing the gospel is something somewhat new to me.  I always knew it's what I should do, but it's something that I don't always have the boldness or courage to do.  I prayed that God would give me opportunities to share with girls who expressed that they know all the right answers, being a Christian has too many rules, or they can't have fun with their friends if they are Christian.  So God provided the opportunity for me to share that I grew up in church so I knew all the right answers, but being a Christian is not a set of rules and so much more than knowing the right answers.  It's knowing that we can't follow the set of rules no matter how hard we try, and thus believing that God sacrificed his son so that we may have a relationship with Him.  I just know that it is exciting to share what Jesus has done in my life and what it means to me to have a relationship with Him.
*It fascinates me to know that God created so many different cultures and languages, yet He loves us all the same!  There is so much to embrace and learn from various cultures and I love getting to worship our God with those aspects.  We celebrated Christmas in July (with Santa and a real Christmas tree too) where we praised our God and the gift of Jesus in Ukrainian, English, Korean, and some Spanish.  It was the perfect celebration of Christmas without the commercialization!
*It was a blessing to serve with our brother and sisters at the church in Zdolbuniv and Josiah Ventures.  I think it is so comforting to know that there are brothers and sisters around the world willing to accept and host "strangers" for the sake of Christ.  I was especially blessed by my host sister, Nastia, who went out of her way to make Christine and I feel comfortable and also to open up her home to the entire team to debrief.  I like that we don't have to speak the same language to see and know her humble heart for Christ.  It was also a blessing to serve with them because we have left Ukraine, but the church members and Josiah Ventures staff are still there to continue building the relationships and to follow up.
*My brother's discipline and walk with Christ has always been an encouragement for me, so I know I am priviledged to get to go on missions with him.  Though we didn't talk a lot on the trip or have a significant amount of interaction, it definately just reminded me what a blessing it is to have my brother on the trip--whether it be the simple comforts of just having him there or asking him to dig me a hole. :) I don't always show my appreciation for him or express how much of an influence he has had on my relationship with Jesus.  I always figured that since he is my brother he will somehow magically know.  But I know that it is blessing to have a family where everyone knows Christ and encourages living out our lives for Him.   

I know that I'm leaving out so much, but there is just no way to capture everything I experienced into words.  I am just constantly reminded of what a blessing it is to be used even though I am not deserving of it.  I was also just amazed and blessed by our time in Poland.  It was great to see old town Warsaw and to experience the pure joy and excitement of walking down this street where it looks like a scene from a puzzle.  I felt like a kid amazed by everything I saw...my team members may have thought I was slightly crazy.