Gratitude

I am very grateful to the Jesuits for allowing us to stay here with very little notice. Although we are divided by land, I truly believe the Jesuit community is united through Christ. 

-Jason Ajiake 

 

As much as I want to be home, I'm glad that we were provided with a place to stay.

-Kenan Mathews

I am grateful for the path that God is leading me on. This trip has helped me come to conclusions with things that have been bothering me for a period of time. When things went wrong, I have God to turn to and I am blessed for the advice and comfort God has given me.

-Beniam Gebrat

I am grateful for the Jesuits for allowing us to stay here. As Mr. Pinkston said this morning, "I find it interesting that we were here to serve others, and now we are being served by the Jesuits."

-Brandon Machado

Experiencing the warm welcome from the Jesuit community at Colegio del Salvador has reminded me that kindness and generosity are always present, even in situations that seem to be all bad. I am grateful for the Jesuits offering their support and friendship to our group.

-Eoin Bonner

I was the first one to talk to the Jesuits that are allowing us to stay here. I was amazed and incredibly grateful that they offered us a place to stay without even asking for one. I did not mention that we needed a place to stay but they said come stay here. That was really special and incredibly generous for them to do :)

-Daniel Mendez

A central part of this trip was our work in the impoverished community of El Dorado, Uruguay. Though we left El Dorado a few days ago, we still encounter poverty here in Buenos Aires. Petty theft, like the crime committed yesterday, is driven by poverty and need. I pray and ask God to relieve the condition that requires people to steal. And though I miss my family, I am grateful for these extra few days in Argentina and the opportunity to reflect on the past two weeks.

- David Dalton

In a time of despair it can be difficult to look on the bright side of things. After reflecting on the incident, I realized how much more could have gone wrong. I am also grateful that I will get to see my family and loved ones soon because I found it incredible that we were able to find 14 seats on a flight only two days away.

-Pedro Sanchez

I am incredibly grateful for the hospitality and love shown by the Jesuits at the Colegio del Salvador. It surprised me how willing they were to accept us despite having only met us a few days ago. I hope the  remainder of the trip goes smoothly and I look forward to sharing the experiences I have had over the past two weeks with my friends and family.

- Bill Lewis

Gratitude can be a funny concept because you either give some or receive some. Last week the community of El Dorado felt gratitude for the action we took to make a better foundation for the kids of Fe y Alegria. Now, my brothers and I feel gratitude towards the Jesuits of Colegio del Salvador because they opened their arms and received us. I am truly grateful for the fact that everyone is safe and I have faith that God will be watching over us.

-Salvador Gutierrez

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" (Dickens).

-Ian Granger

To understand gratitude we must first experience it in return. I want to acknowledge all of the people who made this experience possible as well as everyone we have met on the way that have made this trip worthwhile. To give is to receive and we have received the grace of God.

-Brandon Briones

I have been humbled on this trip many times - even before we left San Jose- but I still believe this was the trip God wanted us to take.  Like everyone else, I miss my family. (Yes, a 47year-old can miss his family!)  I know there are some folks who don't have family waiting for them anywhere.  I am very grateful for my wife who reminded me via text yesterday evening that "maybe God has a present there [in Argentina] that He didn't want you to miss." 

-Michael Henry

In the 4th chapter of Philippians (vs 4 - 13) Paul challenges us all to rejoice in all things--whether we are  up or down.  He then says confidently that God will always be there to guide us.  I am thankful that we are all safe and being cared for.  I praise God that AGAPE has been extended to us.  I am assured that  all things are working out for us.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers!

-Steve Pinkston