Ten years ago, the pictures of missionaries captured my imagination. A week ago, I had the opportunity to join a group from St. Thomas Aquinas on a mission trip to Bolivia. Some will argue that the idea or the concept of something is somewhat different than the experience. When we experience something, we create memories of sights, sounds, scents, the emotions aroused by the event and the subsequent thoughts and reflections that emerge.
Today the pictures give us a clue as to what the trip was like. As I attempt to recollect the experience of Bolivia, I remember the cheerful sound of the children playing dodge ball at San Martin de Porres. I can see the dust rising in the air as the kids move about the field playing soccer. I recall the smell of dough and the sound of the radio, as we helped in the bakeshop. And I can feel the sadness that prevailed upon our departure. I remember the smiles of some of the kids at Santa Teresa de los Andes, as we took them out for a walk and their appreciation of the mere sight of sunlight and fresh air, despite all the challenges that they face daily.
As I recall the trip, I am filled with both joy and sadness. I am happy that we were able to make it to Bolivia. In the course of the mission trip, no miracles took place, we didn’t get to see firsthand the conversion of thousands of people or the opening up of the skies. What we did was much simpler, but no less profound. In this trip we visited, we shared, and in a very small way we participated in the daily routine of the kids in Bolivia.
A card on the mail can be a reminder that a family member or a friend is thinking about us and cares about our lives. But when we get a visit, it is an even more vivid reminder that we are remembered. If somehow we were able to make the kids in Bolivia know that they are remembered and feel that they are valued; our trip would have had purpose. If we able by our presence to convey to the kids that people care; then our mission would not be in vain.
I do feel somewhat sad after our trip. The kids at Cochabamba were extremely curious about our lives and the world outside of the city and the orphanage. How can such thirst to know and explore be met with such limited opportunity? How different would their life experience, cultural awareness, and perceptions life’s possibilities could be had these kids been raised in a middle upper class family in a developed country? I do not doubt that some of these kids will go out to the world do great things, but the must overcome more than the average person.
Throughout the course of my life, I have taken many risks with the objective of advancing my career. This time, I had a chance to take a risk for my faith. Some will argue that people don’t do anything truly selfish, as there is some benefit (albeit intrinsic) from the selfish act. I do not claim that I have not gained anything. On the contrary, I’d say that this trip has helped me grow in my faith. However, it is my hope that in the process more was done for the kids than for those of us that served them and that others in the future would feel motivated to do the same. It is my hope that through our presence and our actions, they were able to see even a slight glimmer of the light of Christ. And it is my hope that God will continue go guide and inspire us and help us use our talents and take advantage of the opportunities he places before us to serve his people.
Edwin
