Written by Anna Gottshall, a Long-Term Volunteer.
Where the Camino Began
Each person who volunteers with Amigos for Christ brings a unique story—one shaped by personal experiences, passions, and a desire to serve. For Beth Knox, that story began in childhood. She has always felt a deep pull toward helping others, especially those without access to something as basic and essential as clean drinking water. That passion didn’t fade as she grew older—it naturally carried into her adult life and career.
Beth recalls growing up without air conditioning and how frequent power outages were a regular part of life in her neighborhood. But when the electricity finally returned, something special would happen: the neighborhood kids would rush outside and have a “water party,” laughing and playing in the water they’d gone without. That simple joy left a lasting impression—one that helped her understand, even as a child, how vital water truly is.
Today, Beth works in wastewater management, working closely with clean water solutions. When she felt that God was calling her to do more, she began looking and praying for an opportunity to serve in a Spanish-speaking country on a project related to clean water. That’s when she discovered Amigos for Christ.
After talking to the Amigos team, Beth was surprised by how accessible the trip was, only requiring a registration fee and a plane ticket. So, she decided to go—on her own.
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Accepted in Community
Yet Beth wasn’t the only one who made the journey to Nicaragua that week. A large group from Crossroads Church arrived alongside her. As someone traveling alone—not part of a group—Beth worried that others might not be interested in getting to know her. But those assumptions quickly began to fade as she found the Crossroads team welcomed her with open arms. It was a powerful reminder that people are more than what’s seen on the surface.
That same sense of acceptance was woven into the mission of Amigos for Christ, and it helped solidify the lesson for Beth. She saw firsthand how Amigos truly lived out the idea of juntos—the importance of working together and embracing one another to make Christ more visible. What stood out most was that they didn’t just talk about Jesus—they showed Him. Through their work alongside local communities, they sought to understand people, share in their burdens, and walk with them in unity.
Still, even while Beth was accepted by the Crossroads team, she still felt the absence of a previously formed relationship—someone to naturally lean on throughout the week. So when she connected with one of the long-term volunteers, it felt like an answer to prayer. She explained that Anna “immediately just wanted to know me and talk to me and wanted to listen.” That simple act of presence and kindness reminded Beth that even in unfamiliar places, God can place the right people in your path—just when you need them most.
Stronger Together
From digging trenches to building a school to climbing a volcano, Beth saw firsthand how much stronger everyone was juntos—together. It reminded her of a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
She witnessed how unity made the work not only possible but powerful. The team was able to accomplish more, support one another, and celebrate each person’s unique contributions. By living out juntos, Beth felt everyone learned to value each other more deeply and appreciate what each person brought to the table.
To her, that spirit of unity and shared purpose perfectly encapsulated the heart of Amigos for Christ.
A Little Fun and a Lot of Growth
Even though there were many moments of serious reflection, there were plenty of moments of fun too. On the very first day of Beth’s camino, she and the Crossroads team hiked up Cerro Negro—but for her, the most unforgettable part was the descent.
One side of Cerro Negro is a steep slope of fine, loose volcanic gravel. Once you begin to descend, gravity takes over fast. Beth described the feeling as both fun and a little intimidating: “When you start to go really fast and build momentum, it’s like the volcano wants to drive you down,” she laughed. “I thought I was going to start rolling!”
Overall, Beth felt her journey with Amigos in Nicaragua was one of growth and joy. She may have been in a new country surrounded by unfamiliar faces, but she quickly realized that—despite differences in language, skin color, or background—they all had much in common and could learn from one another.
“It doesn’t matter about the color of my skin or my geographical or financial background,” she said. “We are human and we all can understand and relate to each other.”
What Juntos Means Now
Before this trip, Beth admits she had never even heard the word juntos—and was even pronouncing it wrong until someone finally corrected her! But after a week serving with Amigos, she discovered the word holds a deep meaning she plans to carry home with her.
To Beth, juntos is the idea of journeying through life alongside others—not just observing their pain, but stepping in to help. Not just empathy, but compassion. And for her, it was a confirmation of what she wants to do with her life going forward: to continue serving others juntos.
