(This post was written before I left to Guatemala and I apologize it has just now been posted)
While God is sending me out into the world, to glorify Him, to bring others to Him, to experience growth, to try new things, to reach out, its not all “drop everything and go.”
This trip took preperation, time, study, and goodbyes.
Yes, the hardest part it about leaving it seems, is having to say goodbye to those we love and cherish.
I first started living in a neighborhood when I was 11. I hated it. I thought it was the worst thing that could happen. I was forced to leave my friends, I didn’t have any friends in the neighborhood and I thought it was overall boring. I put up a fight not to move to the neighborhood.
However, through the years I have made amazing friends and created meaningful relationships. I was able to reach others in such a way I didnt know I was gifted in. Babysitting. And not only was I good at it, I enjoyed it so much!
Through the years I lived in this neighborhood I call home, I have babysat about 22 or more families in the last four years. Some Ive only babysat once or twice, some i have known for years. These children are my friends in the neighborhood. They are my meaningful relationships. I never knew how much I loved kids until I was able to play with them and be with them.
God took my gift one step further.
I was encouraged by a friend to join the kids ministry department. While waking up earlier was not my cup of tea, I was willing to sacrifice the sleep just to spend time with those kids. My best friend and I taught a sunday school class of 2 year olds for a year. It was so rewarding and just amazing to build relationships with these children. I loved every one of them.
Having so many children in my life while being a blessing in so many ways has also been so hard. The fact that I have to leave them all behind breaks my heart. The fact that every friday night while their parents go out on a special date, I wont be the one tucking them into bed. The fact that every Sunday, I wont be there to say good morning and welcome them with a warm hug. The fact that they may not remember me…
While it breaks my heart, I know that the seed I have planted will grow and the love I have provided will stay. I have to trust God that they will all be in good hands, in His hands.
The most exciting part is coming home and being able to see how much they have grown and learned. That is what is keeping me going.
And now to add onto that, I have new treasures given to me. I help teach at a preschool. The children are so amazing and I love them so much. While the language barrier is difficult to communicate, there are still ways I have loved on them and shown them my compassion for them. It has been an amazing experience and I cannot wait to see what else God has for me these next three months.
