I was so wrong. Now, let me say, like most people I hate being wrong. Have you ever wanted something so much and waited and waited for it and it never seems to come? I’ve discovered that sometimes while you’re distracted with waiting you may miss what is happening right in front of you. Well, I can honestly say when I was filling out my applications, sending out my letters and shopping for my supplies, I never would have thought that I would already see and inspire change not only with myself, but also with others. I thought I could only change while I was gone. Like I said, I was so wrong!
When I started on this journey I thought I would walk it alone. I thought I would have to raise all the money by myself, shop for all my supplies alone, and for some reason I even thought I was going to walk onto the plane alone. I have been very blessed to witness so many friends, family, co-workers and even strangers being so kind! Support has not only come in the form of donations, but in kind words and prayers. It warms my heart to see people’s generosity and desire to help others. I never dreamed I would have this much support – it simply means the world to me that while traveling along this path I have chosen that I would have so much love, support and prayers! I never want this feeling to end!
Since signing up for this mission trip I have had to step out of my comfort zone many times. Leaving the country for nine months is definitely a little out of my comfort zone! Also, I have had to ask people for money, which is by far the hardest part of this adventure. The second hardest activity for me would be talking to my squad members. I’m kind of a “keep to myself girl,” but everyone of my squad members are so welcoming, joyful, and are just as exited as I am about this trip. These other wonderful people, who I have not yet met, are making it easier to step out of my comfort zone.
A recent experience with one of my squad members knocked my socks off. One individual messaged me out of the blue, asking if she needed to pray for me or if there was anything she could do for me. She also asked about my progress getting ready for my trip. Words can’t even explain how much I needed this person to message me. It was just the contact I needed to help confirm that I made the right choice and I was all in and committed to this mission trip. It is truly the little things that people do that have such a huge effect on you and others just like it has with me!
Another rather small event turned into a huge realization for me. While buying my backpack, I met two people with two different approaches to life. I have never gone shopping for camping supplies and I had absolutely no clue what to ask or what I needed. So, like most people, I started listening to others in the backpack department who were also looking for packs. I encountered two very different sales associates. I could tell that the first sales person was only working for a paycheck and not because he enjoyed it. He was tired and ready to be done. The second person clearly enjoyed the outdoors and listened to me, showed interest in my trip, and geared his recommendation toward my needs. As I look back on this simple act of buying a backpack, I realized I could relate the experience to my trip. I can choose to either walk through my journey with little to no interest or I can embrace it with everything inside me and made a difference in the world. With the love and support of friends, family, co-workers and even strangers I will embrace my mission with enthusiasm! I am changing now, which is wonderful and surprising. As I said before, I hate admitting that I’m wrong but in this case I would admit it 100 times over.
