We came down the mountain twelve days ago and I'm still trying to find all the words to describe the ways you impacted my life. It's not very often that I lack the words to describe something, so I hope you know just how special you are.

The day that we arrived I was nervous. I didn't know what we would be doing or who I would meet or why God had chosen me to be there at that moment. It was little old me at 11,000 feet following the path God had chosen for me. But I didn't know what that month spent with you would hold for me. 

The truth is that you broke my heart. You ripped it out of my chest and broke it right in half. Suddenly, I became even more aware of the brokenness of the world. I understood the dangerous grip that the enemy has in this fallen garden. I saw firsthand the impact that trafficking has on people of all kinds from countries of all kinds. But I did not just see it through my own eyes. I saw it in the big brown eyes of girls who have lived it. Of people who help after it. Of a ministry that works to prevent it. 

It's funny, though, because you didn't leave my heart broken. In fact, you put it back together. You didn't just allow me to see the brokenness and the pain that this life can hold. You also allowed me to see your vision. Your hope. That there is a Savior who loves and restores and heals and one day there won't be any more suffering. Girls won't be sold and hearts won't be broken. No, you didn't put my heart completely back together. You left a few cracks so I wouldn't forget the ache. But the ache is never without the hope of eternal life with Jesus. It is never too much. 

Thank you for teaching me Spanish and how to take care of tomato plants so well. Thank you for being a safe place for my squad and I to grow in the Lord together. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms and teaching us everything we need to know in order to be advocates for all the work you're doing. Thank you for allowing God to lead you in all that you do and for never giving up on the hope that you have. Thank you for being an example of what it looks like to live life for the Lord and to serve His children well. 

Mostly, though, thank you for allowing us to partner with you and for loving us so much. We will not forget you. 

Until I'm back up the mountain, 

Abby <3