Hello! My name is Leah. I’ve been attending Blackhawk for 20 years, but it never seemed like the right time to go on a mission trip. After sponsoring a child with Food for the Hungry (FH) in Bolivia, I developed more of an interest in the community of Lajastambo. What is daily life like for the child I’m getting to know? What difficulties does she face?

As a youth services librarian, I also have many questions about the community’s access to free information, early literacy resources, and educational programming for children. When I saw that Blackhawk was seeking Go Team volunteers interested in developing relationships with children and caregivers, I knew this was the right time to break out my rusty Spanish-speaking skills!

I know this trip is going to push me outside of my comfort zone. I haven’t traveled internationally. I haven’t personally experienced living in extreme poverty. I am nervous and excited about how God will use this trip to change me. What will the people of Lajastambo teach me about myself and how will I convey that to friends and family? We shall see! Thank you for the encouragement and prayers!