10.03.17
It’s a little after midnight so I officially survived my 19th birthday. To be completely real, I woke up dreading the day. I woke up and immediately felt homesick, craving something familiar and comfortable. Instead I awoke to the sun beating down on me, in my tent, surrounded by three other girls in our small concrete room in rural India. Not the familiar feeling I was imagining.
I went through the morning and got sang to, told happy birthday 40 times, and asked how it felt to be a year older. All the normal stuff. I opened the letters my family wrote me, teared up a bit out of that homesick feeling but also out of thankfulness. Even from across the world, I felt the love from my family.
Then something funny happened at lunch. I was sitting at a big table surrounded by people I love and that love me, enjoying the most wonderful food India has to offer (rice and garlic naan is no joke), laughing at the most ridiculous things. In that moment I felt immense joy. I felt completely at peace with where I was, and let me tell you, it was a great feeling.
The day went on and we continued celebrating and enjoyed a night of ministry. My friends and I finished the night with a dance party and lots of laughs. While it sounds cheesy and a little silly, I really did enjoy a day I was originally dreading.
This might seem like a random blog post but it’s a testament to what God is constantly doing around me. I have days where I wake up and I don’t feel 100%- I have to put in some serious effort to be who I want to be – but then I get a moment of reassurance in the fact that God has put some incredible people and things in my life. He has surrounded me with what I need and all I have to do is take a second to appreciate it.
It’s simple but true. God provides in so many ways that I’m just now starting to understand. He has me where I need to be and while it’s not always easy, it’s good.
So that’s it. That’s where I’m at this week. The past seven days have been wild. I’ve been to two weddings, driven hours and hours to small villages, met some incredible people, celebrated a birthday, and experienced God in new ways every day.
———
I leave India on Monday (!!!) which is mind blowing to me; this month has flown by. Please keep my squad and I in your prayers as we finish up strong here and get ready for Nepal. Lots is happening and it’s pretty sweet. Thanks for everything!!
SIDENOTE: My phone is not receiving any messages so I apologize for not responding. I should start getting everything when I get to Nepal though! Facebook messenger (all social media really) and email are the best ways to contact me.
xoxo
Emily
