1 . Once upon a time, my job was in a mess. I was always inviting family and friends to listen to my_________. You can imagine how popular I was.

About that time, something I considered _________ happened. I _________ a program to the local club in Spanish. My minister was in the audience that night. _________ the program, he came up to me and said, “Linda, I didn’t know you could speak _________. You know our church sends a medical and construction team to Bolivia every _________.We’ve never had anyone who could _________ even a few sentences of Spanish. I’d like you to think about going with us this year.” I knew the trip was _________. But, to be polite, I told him I’d think about it.

At 8:15 the next morning, my minister was sitting in my office. He told me the plans and said: “We will float on a river on a boat, walk _________ the job sites and sleep on straw mats (草席). It will be ______________, and I know you’ll enjoy it!”

The idea my minister had ______________ began to grow. I thought, “I’ll go on this ______________ so I can put some time and distance between me and my job. Maybe it will help me decide what to do.”

I did make it. I surprised myself and ______________ my family. I loved the experience!

On the trip, we ______________ all the adventures my ______________ had promised and more. I worked with people who were ______________ poor. Their happiness puzzled and ______________ me. I asked myself, “what’s wrong with you?” The truth was ugly. I was all about status, money and show. My priorities (优先秩序) were ______________.

After returning from Bolivia, I didn’t have ______________ full-time job for two years. I realized that ______________ is only a thing. People — family, friends and relationships — are more important than things. I learned that for me, a simple life is best.