It was so easy to leave for this experience thinking I was going to become a person that changes the world, that I was going to be the one blessing others.
Adios, America! Hello, World!
By the time I had taken my first step on foreign soil, I had resigned myself to the fact that it was not just my family I was saying goodbye to for the next year. I was also saying goodbye to every comfort of home: American “cuisine” (aka Wendy’s and Taco Bell), a closet full of clothes, a vehicle, a paycheck, a comfy bed, and warm showers. I was okay with not living a “comfortable” life. After all, I was trading that life for the life I’ve always wanted.
This day was different. This day rocked my world. It took everything I thought I knew about this experience, bundled it up, threw it into a giant washing machine, turned it on high speed, then dumped it out on the front lawn, exposing all my former expectations and assumptions to the everyday passerby.
It is surprising how quickly all the little comforts become insignificant. In fact, they are almost immediately redefined; what was once considered a comfort is now a luxury. We live our lives without any expectation of receiving luxuries. So when one comes along, it’s so much more a blessing.
Friday started like any other weekday: yoga, journal, breakfast, shower, ready by 7:30. But then, my world was turned on its head. The women of the program had gone to our contact and asked him if they could do something special. They wanted to treat my team to a spa day. Approval given, these women planned a day of luxury…for us. They cleared out our kids’ playroom, made the floor shine, moved in the comfy chairs from the main house, set up stations, and gave each of us the experience of a lifetime.
I wish I could describe all of the things that went into this day for these women. I wish I could put into words the hundreds of emotions that I felt as I looked down and saw a woman on her knees washing my feet – black with dirt because wearing shoes is so low on my priority list. The women were glowing. With every stroke of the nail polish brush, with every hand massage and foot massage, with every callous removed from the bottoms of our feet, with every cut in our hair made with such precision and intentionality, these women mustered up every ounce of pride they had and poured out blessings on my team.
Their desire was to bring out the beauty they saw in each of us. Nothing was added, only accentuated. Their desire was to serve us. They gave us their best. Our nails weren’t just painted with a single color, they were decorated with flowers. Our hair wasn’t just brushed, it was styled. Everything executed ten steps beyond everyday expectations. At one point, it was so warm, a woman stood up, fanned herself, took off her T-shirt to reveal a thinner tank-top underneath, sat back down, and turned the fan towards me, so I wouldn’t be uncomfortable. This is the same woman that refused to let me get up and walk without shoes. Upon finding my shoes, she also insisted on washing them too before putting them on me and releasing me.
Three weeks ago, these women were working on the streets.
Three weeks ago, these women didn’t even know what LOVE looked like.
Three weeks ago, these women were selling their bodies to make money.
Three weeks ago, these women were hopeless.
The transformation I’ve seen in the last three weeks brings me to tears. They are breaking out of their cocoons and becoming butterflies. They are Breaking Chains.
Fundraising Update: I am now only $1,000 away from my next deadline in a week. If you would like to donate, click the link on the left side that says “Support Me!” As always, thanks to everyone who has continued to support me in so many ways on this journey. I love you all so much!
