When I get back to the good ‘ole U.S. of A in 5 months, I am going to have a whole lot to share! It is my duty to share what the Lord has brought me to and through.
However, it’s going to be pretty hard to sum up almost a year of my life if I get asked a question like “how was it?”
I sort of dread that question.
BUT if I get asked that by someone who doesn’t read this blog (which is highly likely), I will very politely answer “life changing” and giggle in my head as I think of all the stories that are intertwined behind those much too simple words.
So if you happen to read this and see me back in the states come mid-summer, you can use this “cheat sheet” to ask me questions about the things that really shaped my race — therefore my life.
When you want to know what life was like in El Salvador, ask me about:
– Making papusas
– The bat in the bathroom
– Our team’s first ATL experience
– Hospital & homeless ministry
– Floppy-eared cows
– Truck rides to Usulutan
– Piñatas with the village children
– The tree that came through the roof
– Learning to live with less and embracing the uncomfortable
When you want to know what life was like in Guatemala, ask me about:
– Experiencing an earthquake
– Independence Day torch run
– Tuk-tuk rides
– Rooftop podcasts
– Maya frappes and my barista friends
– Uneven sidewalks
– Laundry in the rain
– Casa Shalom
– DBO Children and Widow Ministry
– Homeless Ministry with Ronald & Douglas
– Lake Atitlan
– Los Gozosos children’s home
– Alpha y Omega high school ministry
– Casa de Fuego 1st debrief
– Hiking Volcano Picaya
– ATL leading us into a Christian home to pray with strangers
– Mama JoJo’s conversation with Jason & Chris
When you want to know what life was like in Honduras, ask me about:
– My 9 sweet 3rd through 6th graders & teaching them in Spanglish
– The necessity of a bug net
– La Tigra trails & God’s protection
– Our big hill
– The clothes washing process
– The pizza smell in the college play
– The green goo I showered in
– Chicken bus rides
– Fried foods galore
– The school supplies fundraiser
– Receiving hard feedback & building intimacy with God as a result
When you want to know what life was like in Nicaragua, ask me about:
– Walks in rolling hills of wildflowers
– YL Club @ Casa de Gozo
– Watching Auburn dominate at a Paris-themed coffee shop
– Washing little feet and painting little nails
– Home church with Mama Kaye
– Chipping lots of paint
– Thanksgiving potluck
– Surfing & riding horses on the beach
– Volcano boarding
– Saturday program sharing in Spanish
– Making Tacos with Virginia
– $20 Christmas
– Alina and the neighborhood gang
– Learning how to set good habits
– Grenada Debrief
When you want to know what life was like in Côte d’Ivoire, ask me about:
– Portugal layover & extreme jet lag
– Marius, Jean Claude, Remi, & Jezel
– My 1st day of trucker ministry
– Learning French
– Attending a Dowry ceremony
– Copy game at kids ministry
– Preaching the Christmas story
– Christmas in Africa
– Smile & the many men we ministered to at the ports
– Learning how to let God’s Word speak for itself
– Realizing what was and wasn’t my responsibility in evangelism
– Finding freedom from title-less servant leadership
When you want to know what life was like in Ghana, ask me about:
– The journey to Sunyani
– Elim City Church
– Ellenda Guest House
– Early morning runs
– Cooking with Hamdia
– Sweet run-ins with little Lola & her dad Ernest
– Bash, Gladis, Charlotte, Tina & Daniel
– Creating teaching curriculum for Sunday Children’s Service
– Kid’s Day & Women’s Night
– “Low Tide Latte” with the women of Team Tidal Wave
– The MILO that reminded me to sacrificially give
– The cultural differences that challenged my perspective
I’ll update this blog as time goes on, so that every month is eventually accounted for. God has been shaping and refining me during this unique season, and I can’t wait to let you in on the details… so ask away!!
Over and out,
Julia
