Affirmations from team members
There are so many things about you that I appreciate. At the orphanage, you were one of the hardest workers out there, yet you also took time to help others learn to do a job better. I can tell that you are very thoughtful and intentional about each facet of your life and that you give 100+% in each thing you do. Finally, you are very tender-hearted and honest about waiting for God's direction in life. -- Michelle
Thank you Chris for always being your consistent, true self day in, day out. You have a huge heart and I admire how you dove in from day one with loving the kids as well as helping with so many very difficult tasks at the orphanage. You are so approachable and I loved watching you gain confidence in speaking more and more Spanish with Grace, Carla and Janet. You have a sparkle in your eye that reveals God's hold on your heart and soul. -- Betty Ann
I was excited to share this with you because I had these thoughts about you well before you shared with me on the train about your "missing joy." I picture you if not laughing... just on the verge of letting out a "booming" and contagious giggle. I always see a "light" and very sincere twinkle in your eyes (even when you are talking seriously)... and I believe that our eyes are merely windows into our hearts. I see your joy. I know it's still there and God is doing something wonderful in you... just press on. -- Kelly
You are really a man of faith. God has such an awesome hold on you. I've so enjoyed getting to know you. During Bible studies, you've given me some really deep insight that I wouldn't have gotten on my own. I also just admired how enthusiastic you were with the kids. Your warmth was contagious - the kids obviously adored you. And you just worked so hard at the orphanage. Your heart is clearly in the right place. I look forward to continuing our Peru Trip with you as we get home and reflect on what its true meaning was for us in our walk with God and in our Christian community. -- Mary
You are such an amazing brother. Thank you so much for your friendship and openness during our trip together. You are such a well though out and, at the same time, light hearted guy. I know this is only the beginning of some more serious shenanigans. -- Tony
It has been great having you on the team. I've enjoyed seeing your strength as you hiked the Inca trail and worked with seemingly boundless energy both in construction and with the kids at the orphanage. You have a patient and playful spirit and hope to get to know you more in the future. -- Brad
You are an amazing brother and I thank God for what he's doing in your life. God bless you always. Your strength enabled the group to carry on. Brother in Christ -- Ardy
You are such a true man of God and I love being around you when you laugh. In so many ways you were the porter of the team... the shovel "master" at the orphanage, carrying several kids at the same time with a smile, and tackling the Inca Trail with all of your gear on your back. But the characteristic that I love most is that you have a passion for God, which was evident in the Bible studies and your interaction with the Peruvian culture. I look forward to knowing you better. Peace -- Bryan
Perro... you were and are a true friend and brother in Christ. Although we have met only a few times outside the "Peru trip" I just find it amazing how heartily we can laugh together. From our car ride to Tahoe to the Cat capers that night we just know how to laugh well! I was so glad you were on this trip for so many reasons but your gift of smiling and laughing has been such a huge blessing to me especially during this trip. Also just having a "friend" who could shout out "Perro" or "How YOU doin'?" meant a lot. These little words brought a smile to my heart and kept my spirit up during some of the more difficult times. Your love for Christ and leadership are awesome! I so hope we will continue our friendship and be there for each other as Christian brothers, who are allowing God to work through us in each others lives and lest keep serving our Lord heard and laughing hard! Peace my friend. -- Bob
It has been so fun getting to know you a little on this trip, and I hope to learn more about you. You have such energy and style. Thanks for the dance lessons and the laughs and your seriousness about God's plan for the world and your life. You have a lot of wisdom, a strong spirit, and a gentle carefree way about you. I hope you will continue to share God's word with those around you in unique and different ways that reflect your one-of-a-kind personality! -- Alissa
Dude, you're the man! It was fun being roommates with you a couple of times as well as hanging out during the trip. I really appreciated how hard a worker I saw you were at the orphanage, both during construction and in playing with the kids. Also I love the passion I see in you for serving Christ and embracing the truth in the Bible. Blessings! -- Antony
The thing that stands out most memory-wise about you was what a great team we made doing the cement-thing at the orphanage. You were such a hard worker and I felt like we got into a rhythm working side by side, but the word that stands our most for me about you is "self-determined." You have a mind set of doing everything through to completion. When you set forth on a journey, you will complete it. When you set goals, you'll achieve them. Your strength and will are evident no only in physical strength but manifests itself in you relationships. You have a lot to give people and I enjoyed seeing you give so much of yourself to the team, to the kids at the orphanage and to the others that we encountered. God has given you a heart for people... I pray that he will continue to develop that in you. Blessings! -- Amy
I could tell right away that you are a solid man in God's Word by your interactions with the kids at the orphanage. Not only were you one of the hardest workers on the construction, but also in carrying the kids and giving them airplane rides. When my arms and back were getting too tired, I could always send kids your way for their airplane rides (in case you didn't notice). Your welcoming smile and light-hearted nature were a great invitation to everyone on the trip, including our group, the kids, and our Peruvian leaders. You're a likable guy, and that spirit comes through Christ. Thanks for being a great roommate on the trip. I also noticed you have a reflective side - often singing and taking in the scenery despite the noise and commotion around us. That is a strong quality of yours, too. I look forward to developing our friendship further after this trip. -- Kurt
A few things that come to my mind thinking of you over the last week. Your enormous positive attitude - you seemed always in a good mood, ready to work, play, dance... Also I enjoyed the joy you had playing with the kids. And based on the amount of work/effort you put in the concrete you must have enjoyed that too! The Bible study that one night made me curious to hear more of your views. I hope we will have time later to dive into that more. -- Martin
There have been many times this trip that I have caught you off to the side closing your eyes with a big smile on your face. I am not sure what you are doing exactly, but to me it looked as if you were just enjoying that moment and thanking God for it. I loved this. I also admire your passion and your focus. When you set out to do something - you'd give it your all and you are not content with 100%, but you give more. I love that you get so excited about Christ and what He is teaching you! I am thankful that God brought you on this trip and it is a joy to know you! -- Lyndy