“What have I gotten myself into?”
…is precisely the thought that has been running in my mind the past few weeks. Here’s a brief idea as to why I’ve been thinking this.
Things I’m going to miss:
My friends and family…duh. 🙂 This will be the longest time I’ve gone without seeing these people. And given the amount of family time I’ve had during these last few months, I keep thinking about how difficult it will be to go 11 months without them. I already look forward to the day when we will reunite next November!
The fam
The roomies from college
Good friends 🙂
Not so good a friend….jk! Love you Leah 😀
My home church – these wonderful people have supported and loved on me like no one’s business! For real. They have encouraged me tremendously week to week by their hugs, conversations, prayers, and financial giving to this mission trip. They are amazing people, and I truly do feel blessed to call them family. The youth group/youth leaders are pretty legit if I may say so, too. 🙂
Working and doing Zumba with these two fun ladies – Rachel and Saralyn! I cannot express how much it helped to daily be around girls my age. Not only did they help me keep my sanity while watching 25+ kids, but they also danced their booties off with me two nights a week at Zumba!
Ahhh….the crazy yet wonderful kids of Jane Addams. I’ll be honest, there were many days when these kids just plain drove me nuts! It truly was a joy to take care of them, though. I wish I could watch them grow up and mature into young adults, and who knows, maybe I’ll get the chance to one day. All I can do, though, is pray that I was hopefully one of many wonderful role models they’ll have in life.
(PS~It’s kind of against the rules to post pictures of the kids…hence why I have picture of their jaguar mascot, lol)
My doggy – Sammy Rae! It’s kind of sad and morbid to think about, but given her age, I wouldn’t be too surprised if she were to pass while I’m gone. I know – sad day. Hopefully, though, she’ll be able to greet me with that waggin’ tail of hers when I return!
I also cannot forget my everyday comforts like:
-sleeping in a (clean) bed
-eating recognizable foods and meals
-being able to drink water from tap
-having a variety of (clean) clothes
-chocolate
-doing my business in a (clean) bathroom
-being able to go for a run pretty much whenever
-having good internet
-alone time
-my routine (although, it’ll be nice not working 40 hours a week!)
-cleanliness in general, lol
Despite all the things I will miss, though, I am reminded of what the speaker said the first night of training camp. The Lord acknowledges all that we are giving up – the families and friends left behind, the current and potential job opportunities, weddings, funerals, birthdays, etc. He hasn’t turned a blind eye to that. He will honor our giving up of these things.
The Lord also knows, however, about every life overseas that will be affected by us. Every child with AIDS that will be held and loved on. Every person caught in sex trafficking that will be told they are an invaluable child of God. Every person that will be healed. Every person that will hear the Gospel for the first time! Every person that will discover that they were not only created by the Lord of the universe, but that this same Lord desires to have a realtionship with them!
These last few thoughts do not erase all that will be left behind; yet, they do make the burden a little lighter. The next 11 months of my life will be difficult and trying, but I know the end result will be so worth it, and I feel privileged that the Lord would use me in this way.
Not to completely switch gears…but I’m going to anyways, I wanted to inform y’all that (to date) the Lord has provided around $8700 for this trip. I cannot tell you how overwhelming it has been the past few weeks, receiving so many donations! My church took a love offering a while ago and was able to raise the needed amount for my second deadline ($6500). Seeing the love of God pour out through the giving of His people has been a blessing and very humbling. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has supported me in some shape or form. You are wonderful and I truly do pray that the Lord would bless you through this journey we’re taking together! Until next time, (which may very well be when I’m in the DR!) peace and blessings! 🙂
