Hey Everyone!
For my latest blog I wanted to answer your questions from back home here’s what I received from you guys:
1. What is one thing you didn’t pack that you needed?
– I didn’t pack a blanket, and I never knew how much I missed comforts like a blanket. I packed a sleeping bag, but no blanket. So whenever we flew, rode in buses, I would zip into a bag until I bought myself a brand new blanket. It’s the little things that bring me comfort overseas!
2. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
– A woodchuck would chuck 77 pieces of wood, it’s in the bible… right? 🙂
3. What is something you wish you would have known before going on the race?
– Before going on the race I wish I would have known to treasure the small things in life. I left home and haven’t missed the big things. I haven’t missed seeing television, or my car, I’ve missed the moments. I’ve missed walking the dog with my dad, watching cheesy scary movies with my sister, playing cards with my brother and his wife, and watching Gilmore girls and spending every second with my mom! I wish I had done more of these moments before leaving, its something I never expected to miss more than anything else.
4. What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself on this journey?
– Trust. I am learning how to trust what God gave me and how he’s leading me- seminary here I come! I’m learning to trust Gods community he’s put me with- all the hilarious women and men I’ve been blessed to meet. The best of all, I’m learning to trust that I am good enough and that God has a purpose for me and my desires in life, and I can’t wait to see where he takes me.
Also to have JOY! I’m learning to have joy in all things I do, to smile and put in the work that God needs me to do.
5. What’s something you learned that you didn’t think mattered?
– Apologetics. I’ve learned SO much about defending my faith. Why do you believe this? Does God really forgive me for my mistakes? I’m learning what I believe and what the bible is teaching me, which at first I didn’t think mattered. I was comfortable saying what I believed because of what pastors, family, and others have told me about God and the bible. But learning to dig in and discover what I believe has been a game changer for sure.
6. What’s the cutest little human story you have?
Daniela and the street kids!
In Peru, we worked with 3-year-olds, on their first ever day of preschool. Their parents dropped them off and the day went from quiet and calm to chaotic cries. The 3-year-olds were noticing mom and dad weren’t there anymore. I noticed one girl sitting on the side wall balling, Daniela. She was holding the backpack her mom gave her, afraid to let it go.
I knelt down and I talked to her in my best broken Spanish. I brought her a chair, she slowly moved to it and sat. I then sat with her and we slowly scooted her chair to the table to join the classroom. After that Daniela walked into school every day confident. She knew she was safe, she put her bag away and played with us without hesitation.
My second favorite was the street kids in Rwanda. I didn’t know their names, they looked to be 3 years old. Every day as we walked to our ministry they would run outside and yell “hi!”. They loved to scream hi at each of us. They never missed us walking by. Every day for three weeks they met us. As they began to trust us more they would run into the street for some high fives. They were so very precious!
