I’m a girl from small town Kentucky. I
love to play softball. I enjoy a night at the movies with friends.
I’m kind of addicted to Starbucks. I’m excited to greet family and
friends in a few short weeks. It’s been a long 9 months and I’m not
done yet. I’ve seen things that I couldn’t possibly explain with any
kind of adequacy. I’ve been in some of the hottest climates on the
planet. I’ve seen some incredible views of God’s creation. I’ve
touched the sick and dying. I’ve loved the outcasts. I’ve talked to a
few witch doctors. I’ve held newborn babies and wondered if they’d
survive. I’ve prayed. I’ve cried. I’ve changed.
(The watch line that has been created since leaving the states in December.)
So as I think about the beginning of
this journey I’m reminded of the baggage that came with me. Not only
did my backpack weight at least 50 lbs, I brought 25 years of junk on
my shoulders. The weight of insecurity, pride, selfishness, and
bitterness are much heavier than that mere 50 lb backpack.
Our first month in New Zealand started
to reveal the bitterness. God used my team to show me the freedom
that comes from forgiveness. I started the journey with bitterness,
and God brought freedom. In our second month in Australia I realized
how extremely insecure I was. I was always trying to prove my worth.
Always worried about what people were thinking or saying about me.
Again my team came along and spoke truth. God revealed more of His
love for me. How could I be insecure when the God of the Universe is
seeking an intimate relationship with me?!?
That’s just the first 2 months. Since
then God has continued to show me what it means to really love
people. I guess I made a good attempt at this before this year, but
now I’m seeing love for what it’s meant to be. It’s not self-serving
in any way. If I’m going to love someone, I’m going all in. It could
be painful (and it usually is in the end), but it’s so worth every
moment. I’ve learned to throw out my pride and hug children who are
covered in…who knows what. I’ve realized that my love should never
be conditional because I’ve been shown unconditional love and it
should be passed on to everyone I can get my hands on.
So, to my friends and family: I’ll be
home soon!!! Your daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend…I’m
coming. I’m bringing a much lighter backpack and a lot less weight on
my shoulders. But don’t expect the same person you saw in December.
I’m coming home with a love that is ridiculous. I’m coming home as a
woman who knows that I’m loved and accepted by the creator of the
Universe, and that’s all that really matters. Be prepared for me to
be the same but different.
