Paige Crean, Missionary

I was blessed with the opportunity to spread joy and love through Costa Rica. I have always had a big heart for people especially kids. This mission trip has made me realize that my purpose is to serve. The soles for souls foundation has really opened my eyes to the poverty around the world. I have now understood what the true meaning of taking things for granted. A single beach ball would give the kids the biggest smile. 

On the third day, we went to a nursing home. It was hard to speak to people in Spanish to begin with but the elderly made it very difficult. As soon as I walked in the room a lady with a pink shirt stared at me with the biggest smile on her face. I came over and tried to start conversation in Spanish. She didn’t respond and her doctor came over and explain how she was deaf. I spent an hour painting her nails, giving her hugs, and smiling at her. Just those little things made her so happy. Every time she felt joy she would point to the  cross sitting on the table next to her. She really taught me how you don’t need to communicate to love you love through Christ.

Throughout this experience, I have made lifelong relationships with each and every person on the trip. My heart goes out to soles for souls for giving me an experience to learn and to love.

—Paige Crean, Missionary