Adios America!
Hola mi familia y mis amigos! What a wild and incredible 4 months it has been since my last post! During this time, God prepared me for this adventure, I fundraised all the money I needed, I was celebrated by my family and friends, and said some of the hardest goodbyes. I have already seen so much fruit come from this time of preparation and I can’t wait to see what else the LORD does during my time on mission.
One of the funniest moments during this time of preparation was when my mom and I went to a Honduran restaurant near our house. We walked in with so much excitement knowing that we were about to experience our first Honduran meal. That excitement quickly turned to doubt and apprehension when we realized nobody there spoke English and the menu was in Spanish. When we left the restaurant, we both looked at each other and said “What am I doing going to Honduras?!” After experiencing culture shock in our own country, we felt like we needed to spend time with Jesus and went to adoration. At adoration the LORD assured both of us that I will in fact be okay, but Honduras might not be what I was expecting, which is okay! The LORD’s ways are better than ours and we have to trust in His plan.
As previously mentioned, I had to fundraise money in order to go on mission. The money we fundraise goes towards language school, international healthcare, travel between countries, basic necessities, and so much more. Fundraising was extremely hard for me. Many of you know this but for those that don’t, I do not like to be a burden. Asking people for money felt pretty burdensome and I definitely procrastinated during the months of June and July to fundraise. However, after a few conversations where I was reminded that this is the LORD’s plan, and if He wants this, He will provide, I was reinvigorated. After these conversations, I shifted my mindset from doing everything myself to relying on the LORD. An extremely important lesson to learn before going on mission. Once I started to rely on the LORD for his timing and help, it was incredible the amount of generosity I was shown. Family and friends were so generous, some giving without even being asked. I have said this many times and I will say it again, I am forever grateful for those who made this mission possible.
Over the past few months I have spent so much time with loved ones. Whether it was at the Carnes’ lake house, the beach with family, Sarah’s wedding, crazy sister adventures, trips to Houston, watching the USA in the world cup, game nights at Carrie and Mitchell’s, baby showers, or watching the boys graduate, I was surrounded by love, encouragement, and prayers. It is a blessing to have a community as incredible as mine!
With this incredible community comes the very hard task of saying goodbye. Over the past few months, these goodbyes have brought on many tears. But what a blessing to have so many people in my life that make saying goodbye so hard! The first hardest goodbye was to my coworkers, who loved me so well. I really struggled during my transition from MD Anderson to Children’s. It was hard for me to adjust and change my ways. With the help of my Children’s coworkers, I learned how important it is to rely on those around you to help you. Another extremely important lesson to learn before going on mission. My Children’s coworkers were patient, kind, encouraging, and helped me get my bearings. As my time came to an end, they threw me not one but two going away parties. They have the biggest hearts, taught me to be a better nurse, and celebrate others wins SO big! After only a year and a half at Children’s I can honestly say I will miss working with each and every one of those nurses. Day Hospital forever!
Next came saying goodbye to family and friends. My sweet parents threw a going away party for me where I was surrounded by so many loved ones. At one point, I was standing in the kitchen, talking to a few friends, when I looked outside the back window and saw our backyard full of people. I remember thinking to myself “Wow, how fun is this to have everyone together!” Then I thought, “Wow, this is all for me.” It is breathtaking when you see 50+ people who went out of there way, travelled from far, gave up their weekends, to come together to celebrate you. The LORD is so good to us, and He shows us His love through those He places in our lives. I mean every word when I say I have some of the best people in my life lifting me up, calling me higher, loving me for who I am. It is an honor to be loved by them!
Saying goodbye to my direct family and Archie was the hardest. God has truly blessed me with the best four people in the world to be my family. My mom, dad, sister, and brother are some of the kindest, most loving and caring, strongest, funniest, sassiest, most supportive and faithful people that I know. We have our ups and downs, but through it all, we support each other the best we know how. We put each other first, we come together and work as a team, and when one of us is missing, it is felt amongst the others. I know that without them I would not be where I am today. They are my best friends and I will miss them so much! And of course Archie is the best dog ever! No dog gives as good of cuddles as Archie!
Although goodbyes are hard, I am extremely excited for this crazy adventure and mission that God is calling me on. I know that there will be so many life changing moments and I can’t wait to share them all with you. Send me your prayer requests and please pray for me, Carole, Will, Josh, and Carter as we begin language school!
