Julie Boyd, director of Parent and Family Engagement, emailed me today and asked if I’d write an article for the parents’ newsletter about our Ecuador trip.

“Yes, of course,” I said. “I’d be happy to.”

But then I began to worry. How do I put such an amazing experience into words?

How do I describe the beauty of Ecuador? Who knew there were so many shades of green, so many flowers? How can I paint for you a picture of the volcanoes, mountains, rivers and waterfalls? How do I share with you the sounds of the birds as they began singing each morning and the smell of the rain in the cloud forest? How do I make you understand the loveliness and comfort of The Meeting Place, our home away from home?

How do I convey to you the hospitality, warmth and patience of the new friends we made? How do I show you the warm smiles and the glow of God’s love from those who fed us, guided us, drove us, translated for us and taught us how to lay cinder block and mix concrete? How can I adequately introduce you to the amazing group of guys who joined us from the Ecuadorian coast to help with soccer and translating?

And the kids! The children! How many hugs were given and received? How many horse rides? How many Bible verses were translated and taught? How many food packets and Bibles were given away? Crafts made and used to teach Jesus’ love? How many special needs kids and adults were respected and loved on when, because of confusion and lack of understanding, they had not been given enough love and respect?

And our kids? Your students! The most meaningful part of the whole trip was watching them in action! How can I share with you the spiritual maturity and servant hearts of your own Samford kids? How many shared their deep personal testimonies? I don’t have the space to tell you all the stories of all the different ways your kids joyfully served! I wish I could show you how the girls kept the local kids busy and helping at the construction site all week. I wish I could show you the video that plays in my memory of our guys late at night after Team Time in the kitchen washing dishes. I could tell you stories for hours about how each and every one of them sacrificially gave of themselves to our team and the Ecuadorians.

I cannot do this justice! Words are so inadequate to describe how God worked in us and through us all week! You just have to go experience it! I’ve reserved my spot for next year, but I’ll give it up if enough of you parents want to go experience it for yourselves!

In the meantime, visit the @samfordserves Instagram page, where you can see pictures and videos from our week. You can at least get a glimpse of our miraculous experience!