I've seen, done, and learned so much while on the field these last few months! But, I need help in order to continue this learning & growing experience I've been called to undertake. I can't do it on my own and the time allotted for people to help is quickly running out. I know with all of my mind, body, & soul that God has placed these desires of my heart within me for a reason! He's also brought me both through and to where He has over the years to fulfill His ultimate purpose for my life and the lives of those around me! This journey is far more than I ever could've imagined I'd be partaking in and I feel so blessed to have the opportunities this experience has/will bring to my life. There's no way for someone to go through even a small amount of this trip with an open/willing heart/mind and not be changed. Words and even pictures can't truly begin to express to those back home all that this journey entails both inwardly and outwardly.
From the onset of training camp, we're constantly told to leave all of our expectations at the door. The following are some of the things I never expected:
- I never expected to hike/ride a horse up an active volcano
- I never expected to fracture my ankle 2 weeks into the trip and therefore be required to depend on people for things a lot more than what I'd prefer to do.
- I never expected to be thankful for not knowing more Spanish while being submersed in the language and culture of Guatemala. But, I also never expected to be volunteering at an old folks home in which most of the residents have been abandoned by their family/friends and some say that they pray every night that they won't wake up in the morning and cry everyday when they do.
- I never expected to be living in 24/7 community surrounded by the only 2 major character traits that I can't stand and would normally avoid whenever humanly possible… and on top of that, actually learn some things from it.
- I never expected to cry anywhere near as much during this trip as I did within the first 2 weeks alone including a breakdown – but afterwards I felt better.
- I never expected to deal first hand with spiritual warfare in ways that were experienced by our teams here in Nicaragua.
- I never expected to strongly begin considering full-time missions in month 2.
- I never really expected to enjoy sleeping in my tent as much as I do.
- I never expected to not be completely grossed out eating something that was still looking at me. (luckily, I like the taste of fish)
- I never expected to live with a herd of animals that are mix between sheep & goats, much less to be served said animal as part of my Christmas meal. (nope… didn't actually have to eat it though)
- I never expected to struggle with the majority of things that I've dealt with throughout the first 3 months, all the while having other things I thought might be hard not even be an issue at all.
- I never expected to have to fight so hard in order to be fully open/engaged with those around me or to continually need to fight for relationships.
- I never expected to know someone from Nicaragua that had a G-Dubb shirt, much less wear it on the same day that I wore one of mine.
- I never expected my life to be radically turned upside down, inside out, and transformed starting literally on day 1 of launch .
- I never expected things to be like this, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else in the world in any way, shape, or form! The good, the bad, the crazy, the sad, and everything in between… because everything happens for a reason and I serve an almighty God who has everything under control!
â-† Even when I don't understand, I'm striving to fulfill His glorious plan for my life! â-†
