As music artist Jessa Anderson prepares for a fourth trip to Ecuador, she shares the highlights of her first three trips.

My first trip to Ecuador was a great experience - it had been several years since I’d been on an overseas trip, and it was the first time Jordan and I went as a family. It was refreshing to be reminded of how things are in the rest of the world, versus the small world I live in.

That first trip really renewed my passion to be involved in global work. Throughout the three trips, we’ve been impacted in different ways as we’ve interacted with the families we serve. Last year we had our four-month-old daughter with us, and I felt like I experienced the week differently than the previous years. My heart had totally changed for all those mothers and children we worked with. I felt so connected to them; it really drove home the point that we are equally valuable, no matter what our circumstances.

For me, the biggest impact overall has been the reaction of the kids. They are so excited to get a small portion of food or a tiny gift. To see the joy on their faces for what they receive is almost heartbreaking because of how happy it makes them. When you compare that with our lifestyle, you realize how much we have we don’t even need. I love to do all this because of the impact we’re making in the children’s lives.

I love to spend time at (partner site) Pan de Vida. It’s located downtown, so the people are from the city. It’s been very powerful to see them come and stand in line, often in the rain, and then cram into a very small space to participate in the Christmas party.

The Zambiza Dump party is always amazing - the sheer number of people who come from every direction. They stand outside with their entire families, and you realize just how important these parties are to them. And then the food lines are always so long, but they line up an hour or more early just to make sure they are in line for their food. It touches your heart to see how important it is for them to take home a bag of basic staples.

I feel really privileged to know a lot of the key staff members of Extreme Response. When you come and work with people for a week, you get the benefit of seeing what they are doing first-hand, but sitting down one-to-one and getting to know them has been so affirming. Over the years I’ve gotten to know the founders and see the kind of people they are - genuine and passionate. What gets them up in the morning is Extreme Response because it is making a huge impact on the world.

To listen to Jessa’s new CD, Not Myself Anymore, visit www.jessaanderson.com

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