I’M
HOME! I do not really have the words, but I will do my best…
Fifteen
weeks ago, I boarded my plane in San Jose, California. Looking out the window
as we took off, I felt a mix of emotions. I was nervous of the unknown, excited
for the adventure, and completely unaware of what was about to take place in my
life. It is mind boggling to think that some of the people, who know me the
best and have challenged me the most, were not even in my life three and a half
months ago. Six months ago, I never could have told you where Nicaragua, the
country that has turned my life inside out, was located on a map. I could not
have told you about my family in Masaya or my friends in Jocote and Nindiri. I
could not have told you how to work the bus system, or buy chocolate milk in a
bag at a pulperia. I could not have told you about the group of gringos that
would spend hours challenging me and pushing me in so many different aspects. I
could not have told you about any of those things three and a half months ago,
but now I can.
Sometimes
I feel silly saying that my life has completely changed in only fifteen weeks –
to say that a country will forever hold a piece of my heart, when I only lived
there for a very short time. It feels silly to say that I have gained lifelong
friendships in one semester, but I also believe this is where the hand of God
has been working. I have been able to witness God orchestrating everything in
such an intricate way. Down the tiniest details of my experience, I have seen
Him there. He has revealed to me the importance of being in relationship. He
has brought to light the dark places within my heart. He has shown me the
importance of reliance on Him. He has allowed me to witness the power of
prayer. He has confirmed dreams for my future. I have learned of a culture so
different from my own. I have had the opportunities to try new things and to
understand concepts that are not easily taught in a country like the United
States. It has not been an easy journey, and I have struggled to fully grasp
the things I have seen. Chances are, I will never completely understand, and
that is okay. I am so thankful to have a God that walked beside me every step
of the way. He challenged me and stretched me in ways I really needed, and I
pray that He will continue to do so. I am so thankful for the people who walked
with me and graciously processed with me on both the easy days and the
difficult. I am thankful for the people, in Nicaragua and back home, who
prayerfully supported me every single day – no exception. Your prayers were
felt, and the presence of God was very near to me throughout my entire time
there. Thank you! I could not have done it without you.
This
last week has been filled with so many goodbyes. After working in such a
tightly knit group of people, I know the transition home will be tough. The
same people who were my friends were also my coworkers, my mentors, my church,
my free time, and my bible study. To have grown so close and not know when I
will ever see them again is a challenging thing, but I am excited to see the
doors God is going to open next.
I
am not sure how I am going to remember and incorporate the things that I have
learned, and I know it is going to be a lifelong journey! I am ready, God.
It is so exciting to be home and back with my family again! WHOOP!
Oh….
And this guy comes in THREE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can NOT wait.
