I hope you had an amazing holiday season filled with lots of laughter and good company! New Years Eve this year was by far my favorite. We celebrated with so many sweets, guac, dancing and singing (screaming) Taylor Swift break up songs. It was such a special evening that I will hold close to my heart forever. I love music and the way it changes the atmosphere, so bonding with some of the girls through it was the most fun.
Last year I wrote a blog, “17 Stellar Things About 2017”… so you best believe i’m writing one alllll about 2018!
1. To start 2018 off the right way, my friends and I took a quick trip to Croc, Mexico over spring break. We played with the local kids, ate meals consisting solely of fruit, and spent lots of quality time together.
2. PROM! Senior prom was not like it is in the movies, but honestly what is? It was a fun night full of reapplying eyelash glue and sentimental stories.
3. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION. Holllaaaa!! #lswalumni #soamazing #communitycollegehereIcome
4.Visited Youthfront Camp Lacygne and the amazing people that work there (and also because I wanted to lay on this carpet)!!!!
5. World Race Training Camp. The absolute hardest week of my life, I’ve officially decided.
6. Watched Moana with Piper for the 2373027 time. Sharing mundane moments with her and watching her grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally is a GIFT!
7. Took a happy road trip to Macon, Missouri with my three bestest friends. We cherished our last days together (for the next nine months) by spending every second together and resting in the truth that our friendship can withhold long distance!! We’re a testimony that long distance friendships CAN work!!
8. Left for the World Race! Said goodbye to my family, friends, and every comfort i’ve ever known. Super hard but also super exciting.
9. Did manual labor at a sex trafficking safe house in the mountains of Ecuador. Built a literal wall!!! Learned so much about discipline, thankfulness to construction workers everywhere, and the freedom that God so freely gives us.
10. Went to the equator and stood in between the two hemispheres… checked that off my bucket list!!
11. I’ve always wanted to fly, so naturally I went to the “highest swing in the world” and swung off the side of a mountain. Soooo amazing!
12. I learned how to do my laundry by hand using only soap, bucket and a close line. Clean clothes are much more appreciated when they’re worked for. I’m super grateful for the opportunity to not only learn more about other cultures but also implement pieces of them into my daily life! #screwawasheranddryer
13. Worked in a school with the cutest lil’ Peruvian children. They carried such joy and excitement. When I helped them with their homework I did get the tiniest bit excited for college next year + being in a school setting again. Isn’t that good to hear dad?
14. I spoke with confidence in a church setting for the first time!!!
15. Learned how to find beauty in little moments. Got a huggeee desire to live in the moment and appreciate everything the Lord has for me in every day.
16. I celebrated Christmas away from home for the very first time. I did get to face-time my family and friends (thanks be to video chatting!!) and kinda sorta be there. It felt strange knowing things were going on the same back at home, but knowing I would only get one Christmas with my community here in Guatemala kept me present.
17. Started building community within our ministry village, Calderas. A village that is just as beautiful on the outside (surrounded by volcanoes) as the inside (the homesss and people inside them). A place where no one is a stanger and everyone is a friend. Where hospitality is on a whole new level, if you don’t like the meal, they will make you and entirely new one. The character of God is so present within the people in Calderas and He continues to reveal more of that to me everyday.
18. I started teaching English classes to a lively group of boys. Usually they’re throwing rocks, whispering, or hurting each other- sometimes all at once. They have already taught me alotttt about patience and unconditional love. Like “booyyy if you don’t sit down, I will still love you and teach you even though you I know you won’t listen to me!!!” I imagine this is how God and my parents feel sometimes too.
Only 19 days in and 2019 has been so amazing already!!! Thanks God for the opportunity to experience new cultures over the holiday season and for deeper gratitude for the traditional festivities I have the privilege of spending with my family every year. Thanks God for discomfort that produces growth. I hope and pray that this year is filled with intentionality, gratitude, and discernment. That we may set goals to become better versions of ourselves and push others to do the same. I also hope and pray this year is full of chipotle, belly aching laughter, and more taylor swift dance parties.
Cheers to 2019, a year of discomfort, boldness, and love.
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Insta: @savannathomass
Blog: savannathomas.theworldrace.org
