I heard it said once that we are just a collection of the people that we meet. Every part of me is a piece of someone else I have picked up. This is something I’ve been thinking about often lately. About all the people I met over the last year. Everything they taught me, the small things and the big things, will be a part of me. Even more, it is me. I am a jigsaw puzzle of conversations. of small acts of kindness. of road trips and smiles and grace offered when it was undeserved.
Part of me is like Francis. He worked at the children’s home we lived at in Chiang Mai. He was the worship leader and had a passion for old country music. The part of me that strives to not sweat the small stuff is from him.
A piece of me is like Eddy, my Ecuadorian BFF. He worked in the hospital supply room and pushed me to work hard when it was hot or difficult or I didn’t understand. My desire to reward good work with ice cream comes from him.
Part of me is like Moza, our host in Albania. She brought out my sarcastic humor when we would joke in broken English. She never missed the chance for a good joke or to provide anything for those who needed it. She is one of the most hardworking women I’ve ever met. I hope the strength inside of me will be like hers one day.
My team is a huge portion of who I am. They taught me the things I didn’t know I needed to learn and the things I have avoided learning my whole life. like how to say the hard things in love. how to truly encourage others. how to work toward my spiritual goals. how to be patient even when it is wretchedly hard, which most of the time it is. how to pray for each other.
And a part of me is there because of you, my supporters. Your prayers. Your encouragement. You have given me more than I deserve and to say thank you is insufficient. You have shown me generosity and persistence and love. I hope to be even more like all of you.
Honestly, I’m sorry this blog is two months late. Coming home was beautiful and magical and difficult, but I’m doing good. Really good. I’ve been going what seems like a hundred miles per minute since I’ve been back, but I LOVE it. For those of you who may not know, I will attend Samford University in Birmingham, AL this fall. The Lord has flung open doors and I’m ready to go bounding through them.
Thank you again for all the support I have received. When I look back on this season of my life, it is so evident where Jesus’ handiwork has been. And there He is, with all of you, giving me everything I have ever needed.
