How did I NOT grow this summer! I grew to find beauty in the world; I think I went in feeling like a missionary to a world of evil, which holds some truth, but it was a prideful view.

I grew to appreciate the creativity of God in the fascinating cultural exchange that happened at our lodge.

One of my favorite nights was when the Jamaicans, who were fed up with our American lodge foods, decided to buy a grill and grilled their own food outside our trailer park homes. As I lingered around because it smelled so good, a couple of the Taiwanese guys came over and sat on the steps and talked with us.

By the end of the night, we had a dancing session of Jamaicans, Chinese, Taiwanese, and American mutts as we learned different Jamaican dance moves. I grew in respect for the ways that different people live their lives through fun and deep conversation. I discovered how their past shaped their hearts.

Jessica A., Custer State Park, 2015