“When you grow up, you can be whatever you want to be,”
There is a woman here who I absolutely adore. She is such a role model and I look up to her so much. The more I hear about her story, the more I feel connected to her, and the more I recognize that there is indeed hope for the person I will one day grow to be. This weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the beach with her and some other women who also work in ministry near me. On the first evening, we worshipped together. I was standing behind this role model of a woman, and when she put out her hand- her weathered, freckled, watch wearing hand- I remembered that... Read moreThe Resurrected King is Resurrecting Me
I have officially made it to Zambia! It feels so good to finally be here! I was so comforted to know that my supporters were praying for me nonstop throughout my travels. I could feel their peace and prayers in each layover and goodbye. I landed in Zambia on April 3rd, the Saturday before Easter! These were some of my thoughts and ponderings while traveling and in the first couple weeks of being here: “I have been reflecting this past week and weekend on Easter and the personal parallel it has to me in this season. It was such a comfort and joy to be traveling in the midst of Easter. I felt... Read moreWaiting with Purpose
In my position, the first 9 months are dedicated to language learning. I log at least 30 hrs a week in lessons, study, and conversation. I remember feeling slightly disheartened that almost a year of my time here wouldn’t be specifically community development related. Thankfully, that perspective didn’t last long. I now see these 9 months as a blessing of deep preparation. I can think of another time in life that is granted a 9 month season of preparation, and as I understand, it is a blessed time of anticipation and relishing the time to get ready! I’ve come to hold the same perspective... Read more
Dear Griever, You Are Not Alone
Dear Fellow Griever, I am naturally terrible at change. From childhood, I’ve avoided or fought against the unexpected, the unknown, and the new. I find it ironic that God has led me to cross-cultural missions, because missionaries constantly have to deal with all of these things, and even embrace them! Over time I’ve grown in my willingness to adapt. I lived in Nicaragua for three months, Uganda for ten weeks, and moved here to Mexico last year, expecting to stay two years. Because I’ve had all this past experience with cross-cultural ministry, I didn’t expect to struggle with the change... Read moreCommunity
I have always had family around me, good friends supporting me, and places I knew I belonged. Then, I decided to move across the world, without family or friends, to a foreign country. Upon arrival, I had no idea where I would fit in or if I belonged, but I had faith and a promise that He would see me through. I can honestly say I have been shocked by the results. My first 72 hours in-country were rough, but the Lord showed up through family. He allowed me to live about 6 houses down from team members of mine. They are young parents, with a 3 three year old and a 14 month old, with... Read moreBlessing or a Lesson
One afternoon a couple weeks ago, I was in a language lesson when we got wildly off topic. Somehow we jumped from learning French to talking about relationships and landed on how we treat people. My tutor/friend said “I want to make sure I am a blessing, not a lesson.” I agreed with her and then tried to point us back to the topic at hand. However, as I was walking home that afternoon I couldn’t help but think about what she said. It is not our job to save people. We do not turn hearts, change minds, or save lives. Only Jesus can do that. Yet, we can be a blessing. My prayer is that... Read moreOne Month In
I have been in-country for over a month now and as I sit and reflect on my time here so far, I thought I would share a bit of what I am learning and what might be helpful to others. I had traveled overseas and served in many different countries before I accepted this two year commitment. I have always loved going to new places and at the end of all those trips, I never really wanted to return home. So, when I landed in-country this time, I did not even realize I was expecting to instantly love it like I have all the other places. This was my first mistake. Not being honest and realizing I... Read more
We Crashed the Birthday Party…
Having never been an older sister before, and now having my adopted Little and Extra Mama, I’m learning a lot about the fun advantages of being a big sister. For example, a few weeks ago, my little sister was invited to a classmate’s birthday party. It was a pretty big deal. My Extra Mama, being friends with the classmate’s mama, knew that I might really enjoy getting to know their family, so she asked if she could bring me and if we could come a liiiitttle bit early to pick up my little sister from their house. ... Oh yes, we crashed the birthday party. I... Read moreA Very Uncomfortable Blessing
A Very Uncomfortable Blessing. If I had to describe my departure to the field in four words I think these would be the ones I would pick. Let me layout the timeline of how the day was supposed to go: 11:30am Arrive at my grandparents' house for lunch 12:30pm Say tearful goodbyes and give long tight hugs 1pm Arrive at the airport and get checked in with plenty of time til my flight 1:30pm Say tearful goodbyes and give long tight hugs to my parents and sister 3:40pm Take off! It was a great plan! And quite different from how the day actually went: 11:30am Arrive at my grandparents' for lunch... Read more