The words in this blog post have not come easily, and have been prayed over many times. In the middle of my World Race I was sitting on a mattress that I shared with five other girls making one of the hardest decisions of my life. I finally feel like I’m in a healthy place and am ready to talk about it.
In late January, I became very ill and could not keep food down for weeks. We saw a few different doctors and clinics, and I continually got worse. I had seizures and my body ached so bad I could hardly move. I would get a little better, and then much worse. We spent nights in the Malawi hospitals, and the doctors eventually referred me to a surgeon. My family and I made the decision to continue care back home in the states. I was welcomed home so lovingly and my family has been so supportive.
In the weeks following, we made hard decisions concerning my illness (hello african parasite) and eventually got everything under control. I want to thank the followers of this blog for showing me so much love. Although I did not post much, I would like the opportunity to do so now.
The people of Cambodia, Thailand, and Malawi that shared their life with me for a season are some of the most loving and compassionate people I’ve ever met. They taught me about purpose and what family means. They welcomed us into their home and cared for us like we were their own. I’ve seen school buildings in Africa full of people crying out to the Lord and accepting Jesus as their savior. I’ve held two twin girls named Miw in Thailand and fallen in love with their tiny, sassy hearts. We rode down the Mekong river and hiked boulders on the border of Laos. I taught English to smart, funny tween girls in Cambodia who forever changed my perspective on the classroom. I’ve watched 50 women that I love dearly become incredible, spirit-led women of the Lord and gained best friends/bridesmaids for life. I’ve prayed over a woman with head to toe burns in Malawi. I’ve seen sex trafficking bars first hand and felt the weight of that darkness in the red light district in Bangkok. We explored one of the ancient wonders of the world, Angkor Wat. I left the country for the first time, served as a logistics coordinator for a season, met the sweetest best friends and got to live in real biblical community, and served the Lord in so many different places and ways. They aren’t joking when they say you become all things for the gospel. We’ve been teachers, party planners, decorators, career guidance counselors, soccer players, babysitters, preachers, and an international dance troupe.
Most of all though, I’ve seen that this world is so much bigger than what I thought. I’ve watched the Lord work in real, tangible ways right in front of me. I’ve worshipped under the stars in three continents and still I get to love on the same God right here in East Tennessee. My heart will be broken until I get to stand with all the men and women in this post in Heaven again, and what a sweet day that will be.
Again, thank you to my supporters. I couldn’t have done any of this without you and I’ll always be grateful. I’ll be sending letters explaining finances and what happens next in regards to that.
Also – I’M HOME!! Ive been welcomed so wonderfully into my communities here in Knoxville whether that be my best friends, a new YOKE team, the BCM, and my sweet Pi Beta Phi sisters. It was very strange transitioning back and trusting the sovereignty of the Lord in this season definitely hasn’t been the easiest thing, but he’s still so good and shows me that he’s still walking alongside of me.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to anyone and everyone who was involved in this journey with me. I am changed forever because of the love that you have showed me.
Elizabeth Harper
