These last few weeks have been nothing short of crazy. In Cambodia I was diagnosed with typhoid fever and strep throat. After taking my prescribed medication I was still not feeling myself. I attributed it to lack of sleep and tiredness from daily activities. We left Cambodia a few weeks later and flew to Albania. While in Albania one of my squad mates was tested for Malaria. It came back positive and I decided to get tested as well because we were having similar symptoms. My test came back positive and I was admitted into the hospital for treatment. Albania is not a country that usually has Malaria (they hadn’t had a case in 4 years). So, they were not prepared to treat us. After talking to our insurance, the decision was made to fly to a neighboring country that could properly treat the Malaria. We were flown to Turkey and immediately admitted into a very nice hospital. The medical care I received was amazing.
Because I was not properly tested within the first week of contraction there was no way to come to a solid diagnosis. It’s most likely that it was Malaria and the treatment got rid of the infection. Because my immune system was weak from different medications and just fighting off the infection, I kept getting sick on top of whatever I had. After lots of talking with our insurance, my doctors, and praying, I decided the best option was to return home to finish healing. I have a huge peace about coming home and I know it was the wisest decision.
I flew home to California last Friday morning. I visited my doctor here at home and he reviewed all my blood panels and tests. The good news is that the infection is gone, all my blood levels are back to normal, now my body just needs time and rest to fully recover. I am slowly regaining strength and feeling like myself again.
Being home these last few days, I’ve had lots of time to reflect on these 7 months. I have no words to describe what just happened besides life changing. I’ve grown in confidence in who I am as a daughter of God, I’ve realized passions He’s given me, and I’ve gained so much perspective. My eyes have been opened to extreme poverty, my muscles have been sore from shoveling cement, my heart has been broken for so many things, and my relationship with God has grown to heights I could have never imagined. I have fallen in love with countries, people, and the way that the Holy Spirit is moving so greatly overseas. I’ve met children who I want to pack up in my suitcase, women whose stories will be with me for the rest of my life, and men who redefine what it means to live a God centered life. It’s safe to say that my life will never be the same.
One of the most impactful things I learned is that the mission field is everywhere. It doesn’t take flying around the world to share the love of Jesus. My journey overseas may have ended earlier than expected, but my mission remains the same. Be love to those around me.
A passion that came to light during my time, was my passion for writing and expressing myself through words. I started a blog outside of the world race and I’d love for you to follow along: radiantlyquiet.com If you’d like to receive updates through email, enter your email in the subscribe section on the right side of the page
Thank you so much for supporting this adventure, for the constant prayers, and for the never-ending amount of kind words and love. This wouldn’t have been possible without you!
