So...

I know I utterly failed at blogging during the week. The one time that I did was before we actually left for Idaho, and this blog right now is getting written as BWAM is over. Sorry! Ha. But I just wanted to share some of my thoughts about BWAM because truly, it was such an amazing and special spring break.

1. The refugees
The hardworking, kind, patient refugees that we met bring a smile to my face right at this very moment as I think about them. Like everyone already mentioned, it was a bit of a challenge at first communicating with them with the language barrier. But as the week went on, they had warmed up to us and actually tried to initiate conversations with the very few English they did know (example: hilarious jokester Indra came up to me and simply said, "I'm thirsty"). What stuck out to me the most about the refugees was that most of them had only been in Boise a few months but they had learned SO MUCH in such a short amount of time. They have learned and soaked up everything they could, and I think it's because each one of them is so hard working and try with all their ability and heart that they are able to become more comfortable and successful in Boise. Another thing that stuck out to me was that despite the fact that they have gone through some pretty painful and hard times in their lives in the past, they are still filled with so much joy and gratitude. I loved seeing their smiling faces and hearing bits and pieces of their stories. This wasn't something that I necessarily learned for the first time, but just something that was reminded to me on the trip: when you hear someone's story, you inevitably become connected in an unforgettable way. So to the refugees that we met at the IRC, to the seven refugees that we met at the farm, and to Devi, the head farmer, thank you for letting us be a small part of your stories and for becoming a wonderful part of ours. Oh, side note, Devi pulled me in for a hug as I said goodbye to him, which was just the sweetest thing in the world...but the last words I said to him were, "Devi, we have a soccer ball!" as I threw him the soccer ball that Abe told us to give to them. Ugh, fail. -_- Haha.

2. Create Common Good
This organization and the people who are a part of it blow me away. I cannot believe the passion, determination, talent, and optimism that flows through the heart of CCG. I know Tara, Tyler, and a bunch of the CCG staff kept telling us throughout the week how incredible it was that each one of the seven of us seemed to be "handpicked" for this first Boise, Idaho team. But honestly, I think each one of the CCG staff was handpicked to be in the position that they currently are in. Tara, who is the head of the company, is one of the most dynamic and patient people I have ever met, and it was so wonderful just watching her shift back and forth from this professional, eloquent, determined business woman to this mom who would kiss her daughter Lucy on the head and tell her, "I'm so glad you liked your lollipop." Tyler, who was our awesome tour guide and teacher, was also meant for his position. Huge thanks to Tyler for...everything. Seriously, I can't even explain how grateful we are for him for spending the whole week with us. Create Common Good will definitely stay in my mind and prayers. I feel that just from a week of getting to know this organization and staff, I fell in love with what they do and what they stand for. More importantly, it's also how they do what they do, because I think the amount of love and faith that goes with their work is the reason they have become so successful so quickly and is the reason I admire them so ridiculously much.

3. Our host family, the Pollard's
A huge, huge thank you to Brian, Michaelle, Jessica, and Megan Pollard. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the delicious food, your hospitality and generosity, and your great conversation. It was such a treat watching "American Idol" with Brian and Michaelle, talking to Jessica about her going to college next year, and playing Mario Kart with Megan. Oh and of course thanks to their adorable dog, Bailey, for never failing to be so hyper seeing us and for jumping on us and licking us. On top of the amazing refugees and CCG staff, we also got the pleasure of getting to know this family, and for that, we were even more blessed and spoiled from this trip.

4. The team
I don't think there are enough words to describe how incredibly fun and wonderful this team is. Each one of them is so talented, hilarious, and encouraging. I learned from each of them so much, both by watching them shine with their projects and in various situations and by listening to their testimonies and what they had to say during debriefing every night. And I really think that the 16 hour drive both ways and all the time spent in that huge, white van was really a great way for all of us to bond. There were just so many laughs and memories from singing along to all types of songs (ranging from Josh Groban to Hilary Duff, I kid you not), making videos, taking pictures, making fun of each other, eating, napping, sharing stories, everything. And it was so much fun having all of our random, little adventures wherever we stopped somewhere, such as Sunnyside rest stop (without the sun), Twin Falls canyon (where we only actually saw one waterfall), Stateside Diner (with all the bloody hunting pictures), and Vegas (don't worry, we didn't stay out till 4!). Not only did God bless us with the people we met in Boise, He blessed us by giving us each other and by giving us the opportunity to get to know each other so much better. Thank you, guys, for being so awesome. And thank you for listening to my whole testimony and for always lifting each other up. I love team Boise so, so, so much!!!

OK, sorry this post is so long! There is so much more I could say about this trip, so if any of you want to hear, hit me up! Thanks to all of you for reading and for all the family and friends who have prayed for and supported us. And I guess I just want to end this by saying...

GOD IS SO AMAZING, PROVIDING, AND GOOD!!! AHHHHH, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, GOD!

Ok, that's all folks. :)

-Megan