Last week hit the one year mark of my launch date. That day is still vivid for me…I remember thinking I had more nerves than blood pumping through my veins while I carried my overstuffed backpack to the airport.
Throughout the race, I had a bunch of different “titles” I stepped into. From being a teammate to a team leader; a preschool teacher to a english teacher; a cement mixer to a brick builder; a bible studier to a bible study teacher…just to name a few.
I am still processing the race, what the experience means, and how it has shaped me. In many ways, I am the same person. I love coffee, making ridiculous jokes and speaking in a horrible British accent more often than not. I’m still known for asking deep questions and contemplating life. I believe laughter needs to be an everyday thing, and consider trips to Target and Trader Joe’s wonderful adventures.
But I am also a different person. I know where my worth is and who my identity is rooted in. I have heard miraculous stories and been a part of them. I now crave for people to call out the truth and give me feedback. Confrontation is no longer scary, but necessary and clear communication means more to me than most other things. I have experienced culture shock on top of culture shock, and have seen children living in poverty that is hard to describe. My definition of “blessings”, “rich”, and “poor” are vastly different.
Somewhere in the middle is the old/new Marsha. Thank you for being patient, graceful, caring, and understanding. You have all been amazing and continue to be.
I want you to know how much your encouragement and support has meant to me. Your prayers, kind words, and thoughts have brought me through this whole journey and continue to uplift me.
Thank you.
