It is currently 9am pst and I am sitting on the balcony of my rental, in my jammies, overlooking one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. Three months ago I did not even know Catalina Island existed, no I have not seen Step Brothers. I can quite humbly say that it is by the grace of God that I am here.
Back in May I booked a trip to visit one of my best friends in Kansas, merely three days after I graduated college. The build up to this trip was quite chaotic, as my travels usually are. I had to pack up my entire life in Grand Rapids, while packing away for this trip and a summer on Mackinac Island, in just 48 hours. The plan was to fly to Kansas, then Disney World to visit my Grams, and then immediately head north to the island. After getting all of this in order just hours before I had to leave, I spoke to the Lord in prayer and felt overwhelmed with guilt. In the midst of my hectic life, I realized I had not prioritized someone who meant so much to me; my brother, Drew. Drew is a Marine and is currently stationed out in San Diego, California. He is quite literally the most selfless person I know. With almost a 4.0 high school gpa, he chose to give up everything to serve our country, because he believed God had called him to do so. He works upwards of 85 hours a week, and has only had one break since enlisting, and that was few days over Christmas. He would do anything for me and I had been too caught up in my life the last semester to reach out, and make time to be there for him. I asked the Lord to give me a way that I could connect with him better. From this request, I was hoping that we would maybe have more of the same free time to FaceTime.
The next day I went to the airport and was put on the wrong plane! I was going to be delayed and not make my connecting flight in Chicago. This meant I wouldn’t arrive in Kansas for a while. I immediately was upset; the plans I created were not living up to my expectations. All of that shifted when the flight attendant informed me that I was going to be given a certificate for a free flight, due to the troubles. I heard the Lord immediately tell me that this was to see Drew. I was SHOOK. He answered my prayer in just hours, with an unbelievable gift.
Something else to note, in my layover I was able to travel downtown Chicago to spend time with a very dear family friend, Laurie. Little did I know that was the last personal time we would have together, before she tragically passed away this summer. I treasure that time, and hold the advice close to my heart she gave me to become a successful business woman, like herself.
Moving forward, the Lord was not done, He still had more to give. In June I was serving at Millie’s on a busy Saturday. It was one of those shifts where I had little time to chat with my tables, which meant more tips, but less conversation. I actually perferred the days where we were slower and I got to connect with guests; It was more meaningful. Anyways, the afternoon had slowed down and I had one more table to go. I began to engage with this couple who told me they were from Southern California. I told them how I planned to come in the fall to visit my brother. After getting to talk more, we connected over the fact that her father was a Marine at the same base Drew is currently stationed at- what a small world! She continued to ask more about my life and I shared about my future as a missionary. She then told me that she wanted to give something to us, for the work we are doing in the world. She owns a condo on Catalina Island that she rents out throughout the year, and she wanted us to have it while I visit. I teared up and was in total disbelief at how kind this human, who I just crossed paths with, could be. She gave me her information, and all held true to her promise.
So what am I taking from all of this? Gratitude. Commitment. Trust. After being vulnerable in prayer and asking for help, He gave me more than I could ever imagine. It blowsDrew and I’s mind that someone wanted to thank us for the work we have chosen to do, because it doesn’t feel like work, but more so a, “Yes” to the Lord; what we are called to do. I am continuing to learn in life that the more I follow the path that the Lord has carefully crafted for me, the more I am fulfilled. This is a once in a life time trip, and I am so grateful, but the simple blessings that He has continued to give me in my every day life, are just as meaningful.
