19 days until I leave the corn state of Indiana.
24 days until I will be boarding with my squad to Africa.
358 days until I will be touching foot on American soil after I return.
358 days!
I am a feeler so why is it currently so hard for me to start feeling the impact of leaving people who mean so much to me? Today was the first day that I let myself feel what these numbers truly meant. I realize that if I’m being true to myself it’s because I see so much of God’s character through the people around me. How could I possibly bring to words how much each person in my life has made an impact on my heart.
How do I thank:
The woman with curiosity to learn more and constantly want to seek truth even when the rest of the world gives up.
In her I see the complexity of God’s creation in the world we live in today but perseverance to see it’s beauty.
The woman who has such a gentle presence that I feel safe telling her all my doubts and fears and she loves me just the same.
In her I see the beauty of God’s grace looking back on me and seeing me as worthy because of Jesus’ love for us on the cross.
The girl who doesn’t have to hide her tears and is real with me about her struggles even if it takes everything she has to vocalize them.
In her I realize that I don’t need to be perfect but I get to lean on God for strength when He is waiting for me to press into Him.
The friend who has given me grace, seven times seven, when my heart wanders.
I see a reflection of being a daughter of Christ and my Father never leaving me even when I turn my back to Him.
The women who constantly serve their patients in the hospital not out of a job obligation but to truly show love even when they get treated like dirt.
In them I see the beautiful representation of the Prince of Peace washing my feet and more importantly my heart all the times when I don’t deserve it.
The diversity of my friends who have challenged me to see life from a different perspective.
They have helped me shatter the ceiling I’ve put God under by expanding understanding of His character.
The challenges in my past that have made me question why suffering exists in this world.
In those experiences I see God’s restoration and freedom even when I didn’t understand the purpose of my suffering while it was happening. Without these trials I wouldn’t know the true meaning of God’s redemption and want for a personal relationship with me.
My hugs and final goodbyes are not just the memories of who you are but how you’ve shaped how I praise our God. Whether or not you believe in Jesus, God created every detail about your character. Because God loves and made every detail about you, you have impacted how I praise my savior. So in a way when I lift my heart and praise to my creator, I will envision how every person and story has stolen a little piece of my heart to help me understand the true redeemer of my life. I’m forever grateful.
