This week the reality of what I was leaving behind truly hit me. On Tuesday I had to say goodbye to my beloved Bella Bear for an entire year. I got her when she was just a puppy my freshman year of college and have had her ever since. Since the day I got her she has some how managed to get into a lot from an entire box of girl scout cookies, a 12 pack of heresy bars, the thanksgiving turkey and a 100 pack of tea light candles. Not only does she love her food, but me. She once squeezed through the slit in my car window and followed me into a department store, waiting at the sliding door to get in and then forcing the clerk to get on the loud speaker– “has anyone misplaced a Rottweiler.” She has been such a blessing and friend to me and saying goodbye to her was definitely hard.
However hard saying goodbye was, it was an answered prayer. When deciding to go on this trip, leaving Bella was my main worry. I prayed that she would find a nice home where she would be loved. God answered my prayer and the family watching her for a year are wonderful people and I know she will be very happy there (and find many more things to get into)..Sorry Donahues!
I also have decided to sell my car to help fund my trip. I’ve had my car for three years and it has been a great car. It has gotten me safely to Montana 5 times, once through a treacherous ice storm and -50 temperatures in North Dakota. As much as I love my car, this trip is teaching me to leave everything behind and truly walk the walk of faith, trusting that God will hold me through it all.
While saying goodbye is tough, there are so many things I get to say hello to. I get to say hello to 11 different countries and the hearts of the people that live there. Hello to 50 new wonderful companions that will become my family and close friends for years to come. I get to say hello to what God has called me to do in this life and His everlasting love—I have been given so much in this life and it is about time I gave something back.
