Well, I’ve been back in the States for roughly three weeks and I’m still adjusting to life in America. It’s odd because as many times as I’ve been in crowded cities or means of transportation in every country I went to, I feel more overwhelmed being around crowds back here in the States. Maybe because I expected to feel odd and out of place in each of the countries we went to, so I adjusted accordingly or maybe is just because of the sensory overload I feel when being out and about in Atlanta.
As I’ve spent time reflecting over the last year and the adventure I’ve been on, I’m overwhelmed at the generosity of so many people donating for my mission trip, emailing me, encouraging me and most importantly praying for me. It’s been a tough year but one that I wouldn’t have traded for anything. I was pushed mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and of course, physically and as difficult as it was at times it was definitely needed in my life. I learned so many things about myself, things I needed to accept and things I needed to change. I learned about true forgiveness and understanding that my identity lies in Christ alone, no one else (this was a struggle). I learned more about Christ and his compassion, mercy and grace and how a life without Him is no life at all. I learned how to ask for help and not be so independent and how vulnerability can be both terrifying and beautiful. I learned that true friendship means not only being there for others during their difficult times but also allowing others to be there for you.
There’s a saying we as Christians say a lot, ” God won’t give you more than you can handle”, which now I believe to be untrue. I think God does give us more than we can handle so that we have to rely on Him completely and not on our own strength and understanding. If we could do it all on our own all of the time, then what need would we have for Christ? I believe the Footprints in the Sand story about how not only is Christ with us during the difficult times in our lives but that He is usually carrying us through it because we can’t do it without Him.
Thank you to everyone who made this dream of mine a reality and for your unwavering support throughout this CRAZY adventure. I would not have made it through this without each and everyone of you! Thank you for your continued prayers, emails, letters, posts, texts and thoughts and thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and look at my pictures. I feel so truly blessed!!! Love you!!!
~Laura Hofer
