The End Has Come

Well, the title says it all. We're now back in the US, recovering from a week of little sleep and little free time. But to say it was a week well spent is an understatement.

Yesterday we packed up and headed out to the airport around 8:30. Juan, our bus driver, effortlessly lifted all of our 40+ pound bags onto the roof of our bus and we said our goodbyes to Chico and Natie. We got to see the mountains one last time, got to go through the circle of death (a 3 lane round-a-bout) one last time, and experience the roller coaster of roads and chaotic traffic one last time. After checking in at the airport, going through security, and settling at our gate, we said our goodbyes to Bucky. Having her with us on this trip was one of the greatest experiences and we are all so glad she was able to make the trek from Chile.  As tears were shed and laughs were shared, we all expressed our love and encouragement to her before she left. Final goodbyes were given by Coach and Brittany, who had the realization that she would probably not see Bucky again unless someday we played Brit's future team. We all cried. As Bucky walked away, we lined up for our first flight and headed out to El Salvador, where we met up with the Track & Field team on their way back from Peru. From there, we flew into Dulles International, where we were warmly welcomed by smiles from the Hook's and Gallaghers with signs that said "Welcome Home Messiah Volleyball." But don't worry, the adventures didn't end there. While going through customs, Jane was randomly selected for a bag check, where she was secluded from the rest of our group and contained in a small room where her luggage was picked through and she was asked a few questions. After expressing to the guy that she had about 40 people waiting for her to get on the bus, the man graciously let her go and she rejoined us. The bus ride was filled with games, laughter, and reminiscence of the trip. We arrived back to Messiah around 11pm last night and I think the majority of us went straight to bed.

All in all, the trip was amazing. We grew as individuals. We grew as a team. We grew closer to Christ, together, as one. Our team is one of the most cohesive, uplifting, and encouraging teams out there, but maybe I'm just biased..
We want to thank Push the Rock, Aroma Ministries, and Messiah College for giving us this amazing opportunity to grow with each other and with Christ.


In closing, we want to thank all of you for your prayers, financial support, and encouragement to us on this trip. We truly could not have done this without you. Thank God for you and the body of Christ He has used to influence each and everyone of us through our lives, in preparation for this trip, and for the future of every person on this team.

We love you all.

Suzie, for the team, over and out.