In 11 days, I fly to Guatemala to meet up with the people I will be spending 11 months in 11 countries with! How am I feeling you might ask. As of now, I am feeling 100% about it. God has given me such a great sense of peace and affirmation that this is exactly where I am meant to be in the coming year.
I have been so blessed to be able to spend time with loved ones this past month. My dad and I were able to visit my brother at his school in Washington, and see my grandpa and two cousins as well. I came back and 4 of my closest college friends were able to fly/ drive out to California to spend time with me before I left. We got to spend some quality time together picnicking in the park, laughing over our golfing skills, and just enjoying time spent together. I even received one of the most thoughtful gifts, a book filled with memories, pictures and encouragement from some very dear friends of mine. It will be a wonderful thing to have when I’m feeling homesick and very far from home.
I recently finished a book written by Tom Davis (who spoke at our training camp) called Red Letters which I would recommend to everyone to read. He writes about living a life of significance and speaks of those who have left impacts on lives around the world. Davis focuses mainly on those in society who are forgotten; the orphans, widows, and AIDs victims. Instead of leaving the reader feeling guilty and helpless, the book inspires and offers dozens of ways to get involved and make a difference, no matter where you are at. He writes, “That’s what this book is about. A different world. One defined not by despair and disease, but defined by the product of compassion: hope.” Reading this book really reminded me of why I am going on this trip. I want to help make a difference. To give people hope and to let them know they are loved, that they are not forgotten and that God values each and every one of them. I pray I will have the strength this year to look outwardly and help those around me, more than I will be focused on my own insecurities and discomfort.
Thank you to all of you who have helped support and encourage me in a variety of ways. Your kind words and prayers have helped strengthen me, and will continue, to help me reach those who need it desperately in countries around the world.
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