To the day I thought would never come,
It’s hard to even grasp that this day is here. I can’t even begin to describe all I experienced or what cultural shock to expect when I go home. I’ve been so unplugged from America, yet so in tuned to 11 other countries and their culture, food, and people for an entire year- Everything’s is going to not make sense.
You see, I don’t know if there will there ever be a time again: when I’ll just lay in bed with a smile because of the rain smacking the tin roof? Or laugh when fruit drop from the tree landing way too close to me? Or be okay with having to walk miles to fetch water, get a Coca-Cola, & find an ATM? Or when I snuggle with 4 other people to watch a movie on a 13 inch screen? Or ask every one around when the next time electricity will be on?
I’m sure there are even more situations that will be hard difficult to underhand over these next few days and weeks, and even more so no one but my squad will understand when these realizations come to mind.
But you see I am ready. God has given me an overwhelming sense of peace about returning home. Yes, I am the same Mariah. So please approach me remembering I am still human, I am still funny yet hardworking, I am an introvert, but love intentionality. But after a year of intense intimacy and discipleship, I am more of the Mariah that God created me to be. I am confident in my gifts and passions He has bestowed on me. I am bold and brave about a lot of things- those awkward situations, those people who are hard to loved, etc. I am willing because God is with me. I am interruptible because only God knows when He calls us home & I want to encourage you and meet you where you are. As God has renewed and refined me, I am going to let me cup overflow on to you. I want to encourage you, I want to give you new hope and strength, I want to give you the ever lasting gift of Eternal life because Jesus has done it all for me. Don’t get me wrong, there are days I still choose extra sleep over quiet time, and that I forget to pray before a meal, and I am tempted by things for this world, and I catch my thoughts wondering down a path that’s not for me. But I am doing my best- I am going to give Him thanks, going to praise His great name, going to find a community that challenges me to become a better Mariah, a daughter of the Most High King. Yeah sure this journey was once of a life time, but I know for a fact that the best is yet to come. God continues to choose me, to speak to me, and give me love and grace and every day.
Thank you everybody. You have been the biggest blessing to me in this past year and a half of fundraising and traveling. I am so grateful for all your prayers and finances to make this year happen. I would love to meet up with you and share pictures and stories about what God is doing all around the world- so Facebook or email me or comment here- and let’s set a date! Blessings upon blessings!
