When serving in another country becomes a reality to you–
I’m writing this as I’m on my way back to the states, making the rocky drive through the mountains of Honduras; and it just doesn’t feel real. It’s crazy to think I’ve spent a week in a country I’ve never been to before and this is what feels like home. I’ve fallen in love with this place, the people here, and this life more than I could have ever imagined. I don’t really want to think about not waking up at the crack of dawn to roosters crowing, getting ready for a full day of loving on kids at schools in the mountaintops everyday.
I’ve always had a passion for helping and serving others– while not demeaning people’s needs here in the U.S., it’s just not the same as people in need here, or a hundred other countries around the world. You really can’t and won’t fully understand that fact until you visit a country in need. A country where their government wants their people poor and uneducated. A government keeping their country from thriving. Knowledge is power, and when the people have power– that means less control and less money for the government. They have very few to no rights here. We don’t realize how blessed we are to live in a country that allows us freedom.
You’re probably asking, “well why would you want to live somewhere like that?” Because if the government isn’t helping people here, who is? The answer is other people that have a passion to bring the love of Jesus to these people; that desire to help meet their needs in whatever way they can. Helping the people here who aren’t able to help themselves. And I want that. Sure, to the outside world I may be just a 21 year old, small town girl from Arkansas, that hasn’t finished college and doesn’t know what the future holds. But I know who Jesus says I am and I sure know Who holds my future. I know I’m willing to go wherever He calls me, and honestly I think that’s all He really wants from us. To say yes, to be willing and open to follow wherever He leads. To step out in faith for Him.
I am chosen, I am strong, I am an overcomer, I am deeply loved, I am cherished and valued, with God I can do anything. God can and will touch/change people’s lives through me. I’m not perfect and God doesn’t expect me to be. I desire the fullness of Christ and all He has to offer and calls me to do in this vapor of a life.
Use me Lord, let Your Will be done in my life. If it’s in Your Will Lord, I want this life forever. I want to glorify You in all that I do. I desire to serve and love Your people all over the world!
I’d be lying if I said my heart isn’t conflicted. While I was here in Honduras, I fell in love with this country. I didn’t want to go back to “my reality” back in the states. If you would’ve asked me a couple of months ago if I would do something other than the World Race, my answer would definitely be no. But here, now– I don’t know if this passion for these people and desire to stay here is just supposed to reassure me and amplify my calling of going on the race, or that my direction is changing and I’m supposed to take this path instead. Prayers, trust, and steps of faith is all I can give right now. I will continue to go forward and trust that God’s going to lead me where He wants me!
You can’t change the whole world or save everyone, but you can plant the seed and watch God do the rest!
