Beginning this past month, I was excited and unsure. We were placed on new teams and I had no idea what to expect.
My new team quickly became a family, a word that I don’t use lightly – one of complete vulnerability and a powerhouse for excellence in serving and pursuing the Lord.
Taylor, Vivi, Rachel, Edna, and Sarah. A massive blessing.
We partnered with an English center in Bangkok, Thailand. My team and I had the opportunity to serve this business by hosting free workshops for their students. Our hosts pushed us to serve at the highest level and it was an honor helping them with whatever they needed. If you’re interested in seeing what a normal-ish day in the life looked like for us in Bangkok, click here.
Then the end of the month came. Too quickly.
At the end of each month, we shove all of our belongings into our packs with little thought that we are off to another country, dreading the process and giving random items away that we have acquired and don’t feel like carrying anymore. The obviously practical thing to do, when you are on a journey as such.
And then it hits. We have to say goodbye to the new family that we’ve made. Our host’s, their kiddos, the teachers that we had an opportunity to serve along side of, the life-filled students.
Depending on how open our hearts were to pursuing and loving and being loved by our ministry, this can feel like a tragedy. And this month it especially was. But a beautiful one.
From the moment we were picked up from the bus terminal, threw our oversized packs in their van and piled into a taxi, we fell in love with our hosts.
Knowing that it’s time to walk away from something so special, with all the dramatic tears in our eyes and heavy hearts, means a lot. It means we loved unconditionally, intentionally, and withholding nothing. It means it was worth it.
I’m learning this on the race: choosing “all in” love over “half hearted” love, despite the painful goodbyes, is worth it every time.
Now I am here in Serbia! Europe!
The familiarity of returning to this continent has been very special. It’s spring here and the weather, the cute houses, and the countryside feel a lot like my second home in Ambialet, France, where I studied abroad my freshman year of college.
This month we are staying at a summer camp. Campfires, picnic tables, and even trampolines. SO basically living the dream. It’s not summer, so there are no campers here, but we are beginning the process of building a dining hall. This will enable “camps” to be held year round, rather than only in the summer.
My heart is good. The Lord continues blowing my mind with his Goodness. I count every day as a huge blessing to be able to live this abundant life. Even the hard days.
Thank you for your continued prayers and for following my journey.
Love,
Alyssa
