SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT

Touching down on Goan soil was filled with a mixture of emotion, both excitement and anticipation, joy and anxiety at what was to unfold.

As we walked into the wall of 30 degree heat, I was also walking into a wall of memories that flooded back, smells, views, palm tree laden roads. Greeted at the airport by a huge grin from Pastor Martin, arms open wide and an embrace that said, 'welcome' in depth more than words could ever express, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace about being here again.

As we drove through the winding roads from the Vasco airport, the sounds, smells and sites bombarding our senses, I began to acknowledge the significance of this return journey, a year on, with a group of young people all willing and eager to serve the people of BLC and Goa Life Centre, to share in God's heart for these precious people.

I was too excited to meet the kids again and as we did, it was incredible to see how much they had grown, not just physically, but in confidence, self assurance, joy and understanding of who God has made them to be.
They continue to look after each other with a care that speaks of the love of Christ, unconditional, unselfish, no boundaries, against all odds, forever kind of love.
They welcome us, visitors into their home, as though we we family, recognising the uniqueness in each person as they do so.

The thing that struck me the most about my return was how the children laugh, it's a raucous, from right down in their bellies, laugh. It's a laughter that is the overflow of joy, a joy that comes from knowing they are children of the most High, treasured, loved, wanted, and saved. Perhaps, coming from places where darkness has filled their sight, they now bask in a light that only they can fully comprehend as we draw alongside them in their journey, a journey filled with a true understanding of freedom.

It has so far been a great trip, seeing the team in action, getting alongside the children, teachers, staff and Martin & Beena. Pouring out their energy and love in abundance.

We have also all managed to be sick, it meant that we could not go on a youth camp arranged especially for our journey. It has taught us what it is to be truly joyful in the midst of sickness, and the teams spirits have been amazingly high. We continue to trust and rest in God knowing that there are lessons to be learnt, and the pruning and transformation of our hearts and characters continues.
It is an honour to be able to serve here in Goa with such an incredible group of young people, who give everything even when they are feeling weak, relying on Gods strength and standing firm in faith, praying for each other and speaking words of encouragement over one another in the good and the hard times.

It is vastly different beging back here leading a group of young people, but yet, coming back is so familiar, so much like a home away from home. I am truly blessed.

- Sophie