GARGANTUAN. : tremendous in size, volume, or degree : gigantic, colossal
Above you find the Jimmy Johns Gargantuan Sandwich, which has every meat available plus cheese and all veggies. Note: When I used to work at Jimmy Johns in college I loathed making these sandwiches almost as much as I hated making the unwhiches.
Why is this the start of my blog? I'll tell you why. Since I started telling people I had applied, had my phone interview, and then finally becoming accepted and mobilized, I have felt an overwhelming amount of support from people. This I found someone shocking, despite being a positive person. I just thought more people would have statements like "Why would you do that?", "What about your career"?, "What about the people in the U.S.?",etc. But no, time and time again when I told people I received hugs, encouragements, affirmations, excitement, promises of financial support, helpful tips for fundraising, offers to help set up events, and much more. It just keeps coming. It's as if I am in the middle of a giant crowd of people who are nothing but light in my darkness.
Now don't get me wrong, I've had some naysayers. And lack of support from people that I thought would be there. And when I do tell people the amount I have to raise and the countries I am going to, their eyes do tend to pop out a bit. But then I get right back to receiving love from others. And you might also think I would be discouraged with my 1st financial deadline rapidly approaching and being nowhere near it, but I still am at peace.
Here is a small list of some of the emotional support I've received from others that have touched my soul:
-My 11 year old-sister Anna selling bracelets at her grade school
-My grandparents Grandpa and Grandma Boersma praying non-stop and giving me words of encouragement
-My Lincoln-Way Central co-workers consistently asking about my acceptance while I waited, giving me hugs when I was, offering to help sell bracelets, and offering resources for fundraising
-My Oak Forest and LAR girls being so excited for me and offering help
-A woman I waited on at Smoke Daddy offering to contribute who just met me
-Mark getting his family to buy t-shirts and bracelets
-My Dad planning to go in front of the union meeting to tell them about my trip
-My old Faith Church leaders/mentors who have always been there for me
-All of my relatives being sooo supportive and happy for me in so many ways
-Mom mom speaking the words "I can see you doing that". Such a small statement, but oh so powerful
As I said before, this is just a small list and it also does not include my financial donors, current and future(I THANK YOU AS WELL). But I find the emotional support can build you up just as much as a number ever will. God Bless You All.
"I lift my eyes to the hill- Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lod, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore". -Psalm 121
