Re-entry

We arrived home in Chicago around 2:20 yesterday afternoon! Praise God for such safe travels!! My mom was elated and relieved to hear my voice. Lol. I told Susan I think this is the longest I've ever gone without talking to my mom on the phone! She said she was pretty calm while I was gone, but anxious while I was traveling home. Haha

I barely made it to 8pm before I was out like a light. My goal was 9:30 after shower and unpacking...none of which took place. But I was up and at 'em at 6am this morning, and I'm going to do my best to stay awake today.

Missing my new friends terribly! I keep looking at my pictures and remembering everything. I have a "now what?" feeling in my stomach. I'm excited to be home, and I know God has a lot planned for me as a result of this trip, but I'm not sure where to start. I know I don't need to have that all figured out, so I will try to quiet my mind and still my heart in the meantime. Lots of praying!

Two things I hope. One, I hope that with this blog I have encouraged others to look into short term...or maybe even long term...mission trips! Or perhaps supporting others in doing so! This experience has rocked me and no doubt changed the course of my life!! It's not for everyone, I realize, but if you have considered it, keep praying about it!!! And if serving globally is not in God's plan for you, check out the needs in your own communities!! Help and volunteers are needed EVERYWHERE!! God doesn't put the same calling on everyone's heart, and He has given you all a set of skills and talents that can bless others! YOU are needed and YOU have a calling!!!

Second, I hope I have encouraged you in your walk with Christ! Please hear me loud and clear on this... I am in no way claiming to be a perfect Christ follower. There is no such thing. I am just so grateful to Him for continuing to do His work in me and not giving up on me. To change who I am and how I live my life. To mold my character to be less selfish and more serving. To open my eyes to His blessings. To calm me in the midst of storms. To help me to see the needs in my community and around the world. To break my heart for what is going on around me. I am grateful that He lead me back to church and showed me why it is so important to be in fellowship! I don't know how you all feel about organized "religion" (I personally don't like the term religion. Christ was not "religious". He was a humble and sacrificing servant). It isn't and never will be perfect or without problems. But there is beauty to be found in God's church! And when I say church, I'm not referring to a building, but the people! I am so grateful for the relationships that have come out of being part of a church family! We don't always get it right, but it's such a blessing when we do. If you've ever considered being a Christ follower, I encourage you to find a church family that is right for you!! If any of you wish to know more, I will do my best to point you in the right direction. Just be merciful on me...I don't have all the answers and it is sometimes hard for me to explain why I am faithful to a God I've never met. But He is rooted within me and I cannot, in any way, imagine my life without Him!! Christ has changed me and I love Him with all my heart!!

With all of that said, I leave you now wishing you a very blessed day!! xoxox