There was a time in my life when I felt empty, lost and willing to do anything to help others, but I thought that there was nothing I could do about the people who are starving, living with nothing, and in need of my helping hands. When my beautiful cousin introduced me to her experience in Tanzania with GIVE I realized that there is something I can do.

From the time I had heard about her experience to the time I applied as a volunteer for GIVE I had grown as a person in faith, love, and community. I realized that we are all made for a purpose, and I found that purpose right before I traveled into the unknown called Nicaragua.

I had no idea that the experiences I had would change the way I looked at our country until I arrived in paradise where family, smiles and love was all that mattered. Walking through a village full of people who appreciated an education more than a brand-new car felt more satisfying and eye-opening than I could have ever imagined.

Joy is found in your heart. It is the roots of how you perceive life, how you want to live, help, speak and walk.

I was doing what I was put here to do, and that is exactly why I am changed for the rest of my life. The true feeling of joy does not come in things; joy is intangible. Joy is not a car, make-up, a house or clothes. It is not what color you are, language you speak, where you live or how much money you make.

Joy is what I brought home with me from Nicaragua, not in my suitcase but inside of my heart. Joy has become my root, and is the seed that planted the roots of change.