There once was a girl who was unsure what to do with her life so she left on a missions trip. She raised the money, bought the packing gear, and said all the goodbyes. She hopped on a plane with 50 almost complete strangers and flew across the world. She didn’t regret it. She learned more about God and about herself then she ever expected or anticipated. She wanted to change the world and she has, but the one who bears the mark of that change is herself.
In the nine months she’s been away, she’s experienced hardships, sorrow, joy, boundless love, and everything in between. She has learned to go with the flow, whether that means coming up with an English lesson in a minute or eating sightly questionable food in the local market. She can sleep anywhere, floor, mat, plane, bus, you name it. She has learned how to serve joyfully no matter what that service looks like. She has realized love without action is void. She has spent nine months living out her beliefs and leading by example. She has seen poverty in all it’s forms. She has gained new family members all over the world. And those almost strangers she hopped on a plane with, they are her sisters now.
It’s been a long journey and she is finally coming home. And, oh, how much has she missed you! She’s excited for a room with a bed, hot showers, and a car to drive. She is mostly excited about seeing her family and dearest friends. But when the excitement wears off and the reality of being back sets in, don’t be surprised if she misses this life. Maybe she won’t know what she’ll need or how she’ll react. That’s okay, just be patience and listen when she decides to talk.
