23 things I have learned in 23 years
- Eyebrows. Oh my. I have learned the importance of sisters not twins and also the beauty of THREADING.
- The beauty of a smile. A simple, genuine smile can turn someone’s day completely around.
- I don’t need makeup to be beautiful. In fact, no one does BUT I do enjoy wearing makeup and that does not make me insecure.
- There will always be someone who is prettier, funnier, smarter, more talented, and THAT IS OKAY! Celebrate people.
- Being vulnerable allows space for others to be vulnerable too.
- I love the city. Like, I seriously love it. But living in Africa has been the most free I have ever felt in my life and it has been everything BUT a city (well, besides Kigali)
- Children. Wow. They make me feel so alive and the abundance of love I have for all of them is unreal. Children are definitely my calling.
- Saying goodbye is the hardest of the entire World Race.
- The love in my heart has been restored by Jesus and because of that, it can never run out. He fills me up and has my cup overflowing!
- I do not need a boy to feel like I am beautiful, seen, or adored. Jesus does that all for me.
- EDUCATION SHOULD BE VALUED. Man. After meeting so many children who have to fight for their education, my eyes have been opened. I just wish I could go back and redo my school years where I would actually take it seriously and realize how blessed I actually am.
- My parents have seriously done so much for me. I have always been provided for and have never had to worry about if they would support me. Even during my bratty years, they never stopped wanting me. This is something to be so thankful for.
- I don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be noticed.
- I am not good at math/science/anything to do with numbers and that is okay. I am not stupid.
- Partying and getting drunk is not fulfilling and I praise God I have realized this by the age of 23.
- It’s okay to be single and honestly, I thank God for it right now. I am praying for my future man and I know he is praying for me.
- The world is so much bigger than the American bubble. Traveling the world, learning different cultures/languages, meeting people who are so different from me has absolutely changed my life for the good.
- I love to walk. I want to walk everywhere and I did not realize how much loved this until I did not have a car for a year.
- God is a romantic and wants to woo my heart. He does it all the time and completely sweeps me off my feet 🙂 ah. I just love Him.
- THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Seriously. There has been so many times that I have had no idea what to say or I was afraid AND the Holy Spirit would always be my strength and flood the room. He is so good and is the greatest helper of all.
- Africa is my favorite place in the world.
- I can now hand wash my clothes!!!! I am terrible at it but hey, I learned!
- And lastly, I am still in the middle of understanding and knowing the direction the Father is taking me. I am still trying to learn how to hear His voice. I am learning how to walk in complete abandonment and obedience. I am learning to love Him with my entire heart and not just pieces of it. I am learning to follow him anywhere. I am learning that I was made for more. I am learning that even though my flesh desires a simple American life, my soul longs for more. I have big dreams. I want a huge family. I want to follow God and follow Him anywhere. This is such an adventure and I would not want to spend my birthday any other way.
We are currently in Kenya, living amongst the Maasai tribe, in the middle of nowhere and you know what? I would not want my birthday any other way. This is the best way to start my 23rd year of life. I am so thankful and I am overflowing in love for the Father! He is so good. He is so kind. And He is so worthy of all praise.
