All of the money I needed to be able to finish my adventure has been provided…I AM OFFICIALLY FULLY FUNDED!!!
This is a letter to my supporters, whoever you may be. Whether you’ve prayed for me, donated to my trip, or offered any sort of encouragement to me throughout my journey, I owe you the biggest thanks. But honestly thanks doesn’t even begin to describe how much your support has meant to me. Just a few months ago I was sitting in my house dreaming about what it would be like to travel to these countries and now I’m here. I’m actually in Africa, experiencing incredible things that I would never have thought possible because of you. I want you to know that because of your support, you are a part of this journey. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I carry a little part of you with me wherever I go. So cheesy, but so true. You have had an impact not just on your own community, not just on me, but in Cambodia, Thailand, and Malawi so far… and soon your support will reach Guatemala!
I am learning all kinds of things because of you.
I am learning that although it is (extremely) hard, being present is so much more important than anticipating the days and challenges to come.
I am learning not to take myself (or life) too seriously… and to live life joyfully and freely, indulging in the blessings and freedoms that He gives me.
I am learning to enjoy being still and reflecting… slowing down instead of being on a constant search for something better to fill my time.
I am learning to have confidence in my ability to do anything I set my mind to.
I am learning to give my nerves to Jesus and to know that when I am scared or don’t have my own words, that He will give me His.
I am learning that I am not defined by my mistakes but how I grow from them.
I’m learning to choose joy even when I don’t want to.
I am learning to spend my time wisely and intentionally, and to make good habits with the time that I have.
I am learning that I love the way God created me!!!! I am learning to let the good things about myself take more space in my brain than the negative, self-destructing thoughts begging to surface.
I’m learning that no one can truly fix the problems of the world, we can only love the people around us well and hope that our love reaches far and wide.
I am learning that the world isn’t always fair… and that’s okay. If the world was fair, we’d all be on the cross instead of Jesus….
I am learning that although the places I am visiting may be called “impoverished”, they are so rich in love and live every day enjoying the life that has been given to them and finding the blessings in their life.
I am learning that when words fail, a smile doesn’t.
I am learning that you don’t always see the fruit of your works right away, and you have to be patient and accept the fact that you may never know what the final outcome of your prayers or encouragement will be.
I am learning that being a missionary isn’t pretty… its extremely messy and all over the place. That’s the best part about it!!!
I am learning to be grateful, even when things are hard… I am learning to press into the hard things and appreciate the fact that I am here and I have this experience, even when I am homesick.
I am learning to appreciate how different and uniquely we are all made… I am learning to love the ways that people are different from me because they are able to teach me so much.
I am seeing the world differently, not theoretically or romantically, but how it actually is… I am seeing the raw reality of this world and the heartbreak that is a part of it.
I am learning that what feels like an ordinary day of ministry to me has a huge impact on the people I am speaking to… that they care about what we have to say so deeply.
I am learning to fully treasure the time I have to spend with the people that I meet instead of going through the motions.
I am learning that although I may teach the kids around me, they teach me a lot about joy and childlike faith in the end.
I am learning to be flexible. I mean REALLY really flexible. To expect anything at any time and to be willing to go with the flow.
I am experiencing many new cultures but…
I am learning that there is a single culture that binds me and the people I am meeting together no matter how different we may be…. and that culture is Jesus.
And I am learning much, much more too…
BECAUSE OF YOU!!!! You are the reason I get to explore this crazy world we live in and discover new parts of myself and of life that I’ve never seen before. I am loving the ways that I am growing and being molded each step of the way.
Thank you again for supporting me! It has meant the world to me (literally) and I am so so grateful!
