For the last two years it seems as if my life has been a series of countdowns.
Leaving. Returning. Leaving again for a new destination.
There are people who, when they hear what I've been doing, where I've been, what I will be doing, and where I'm going, wish they could be me. Others say they could never do it. Some people envy me while others call me crazy. I've been called brave and thought of as stupid.
As the truth sinks in that once again the countdown has begun, I find myself reliving memories of the past and asking questions about the future.
A call with my Guatemala-roomie, Rachel, reminded me of all the amazing experiences lived, lessons learned, and memories made last year. Every time I see pictures of the projects and activities going on at Monte Flor and with the Pray America/Manos de Jesus ministry and staff, I realize how much I miss my home and life there.
Working at a diner here in North Dakota and getting the chance to spend quality time with my sisters and family who live here make me wish for more time to spend doing life with the ones who know me best. Sometimes I wish for a 'normal' life where I can watch my nieces and nephews and younger siblings grow up; where community bonds run deep and church family is always around.
Yet, anticipating the future and watching the fulfilling of dreams unfold in my life make me so grateful that God holds the compass to my heart and He knows me better than I know myself! He knows my passions and fuels them. He knows my dreams because He planted them. And He knows my fears and speaks peace into them.
T minus 2 weeks!
The tickets have been booked and the paperwork sent in. On July 3rd, I fly out of Chicago for a 24 hr. trip to Thailand, 4 weeks of training, and the beginning to the rest of my life! (Well, at least for a while ;)
I can research and try to prepare (believe me, I've been doing a lot of both!) but the bare facts of it all is that this is the biggest leap of faith I've ever taken. As in, not knowing whether or not to worry about finances, not ever having been in Asia before, not knowing many details of what training will entail (other than the overall big picture)...but knowing my God.
Knowing God - the root of my confidence.
And I'm beyond excited!!
Keep checking back for further updates in the next few weeks and months!
Leaving. Returning. Leaving again for a new destination.
There are people who, when they hear what I've been doing, where I've been, what I will be doing, and where I'm going, wish they could be me. Others say they could never do it. Some people envy me while others call me crazy. I've been called brave and thought of as stupid.
As the truth sinks in that once again the countdown has begun, I find myself reliving memories of the past and asking questions about the future.
A call with my Guatemala-roomie, Rachel, reminded me of all the amazing experiences lived, lessons learned, and memories made last year. Every time I see pictures of the projects and activities going on at Monte Flor and with the Pray America/Manos de Jesus ministry and staff, I realize how much I miss my home and life there.
Working at a diner here in North Dakota and getting the chance to spend quality time with my sisters and family who live here make me wish for more time to spend doing life with the ones who know me best. Sometimes I wish for a 'normal' life where I can watch my nieces and nephews and younger siblings grow up; where community bonds run deep and church family is always around.
Yet, anticipating the future and watching the fulfilling of dreams unfold in my life make me so grateful that God holds the compass to my heart and He knows me better than I know myself! He knows my passions and fuels them. He knows my dreams because He planted them. And He knows my fears and speaks peace into them.
T minus 2 weeks!
The tickets have been booked and the paperwork sent in. On July 3rd, I fly out of Chicago for a 24 hr. trip to Thailand, 4 weeks of training, and the beginning to the rest of my life! (Well, at least for a while ;)
I can research and try to prepare (believe me, I've been doing a lot of both!) but the bare facts of it all is that this is the biggest leap of faith I've ever taken. As in, not knowing whether or not to worry about finances, not ever having been in Asia before, not knowing many details of what training will entail (other than the overall big picture)...but knowing my God.
Knowing God - the root of my confidence.
And I'm beyond excited!!
Keep checking back for further updates in the next few weeks and months!
