In the past year, two people have significantly influenced me and changed how I live. One of them has influenced my relationships with other people. The other one has influenced my relationship with God.

What attracted me to the first person was how interesting and different he was compared to every other person that I have ever known or met. He was, and still is, incredibly selfless and will do anything for other people. He taught me that every person is worth caring for and deserves my love and attention. He taught me that simplicity is beautiful and a defining characteristic of Christians. He taught that God is beauty and that God is love. From how he lives, I have learned to have passion for people everywhere. Ultimately, he has taught me to treat people how Jesus did. He has made me want to learn more about the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and how it affects my life. These beliefs that he taught me have been a major part of why I am goint to Peru.

The other person is very outgoing and willing to bring up any topic. We had started hanging out, and I noticed that every time we were together she was genuinely interested in what God was doing in my life, and what I was learning in the bible. She taught me that it is essential that Christians in a community ask one another those questions. She taught me how to truly read the bible and let it alter my life every time I open it. She taught me to pray with passion, with honesty, and to pray because I am in love with my Jesus. She has challenged my faith and that has been a huge reason why I am not a part of this trip.