Where I last left my heart

I honestly don't know how to describe my trip well enough to express the way I felt while I was there and the way I still feel now.  I have been on so many trips previous to this one, but it was truly different.  This place has left a lasting impression on me, one that I hope is going to be hard to shake.  I wish I could relive my time there over and over again because it was full of so many small miracles that made such a huge difference in my life.  It is an experience that I will continue to remember and one that I will continue to talk about... because it was just that good!

Barahona is a city on the south side of the island of Republica Dominicana.  It is also only one hour away from the Haitian border.  It is such a beautiful place, the ocean water is clear blue and it is surrounded by a lush, green rainforest.  Beyond all of this scenery is a different story.  My first impression of the place was how could a place this beautiful be this broken.  Away from the beach are the small villages lined with trash, mud, and huts.  The children walk around with no shoes and ripped clothes.  It was such a devastating thing to see as we drove around the first day, to go from beauty to the ugliness of it all.  It shocked me and definitely made me question what I could possibly do to make anything better.  

The second day we were able to finally get down to work.  Children of the Nations has been working in Barahona since 1995 and we were able to see all of their effort.  We were able to tour the five villages that COTN has, two of them were Dominican while the other three were Haitian.  Every time we pulled into a village I was scared to see what was inside of them, but each time I stepped out of the van that fear disappeared.  It was the first day when I realized that things aren't always what they seem.  Just because the surroundings were unpleasant, I started to realize the beauty of the imperfectness that I was so used to in the U.S.  Each child that grabbed my hand had a huge smile across their face and that is when I figured out what I was doing there.

Barahona is a very simple place to us, but if you actually sit there and think about it, it's what our lives should look like.  The people are the friendliest people I have ever met.  There was not a time when I felt like I was unwelcome.  I don't remember walking into a place without receiving a smile, hug, or kiss.  The Dominicans are also not concerned with time by any means.  At the beginning of the trip it was frustrating that nothing ever happened when it was supposed to and none of the rooms had clocks!  Throughout the week my need for a clock diminished and I realized how obsessed our culture is with time.  The people there don't limit things with minutes. If they are having a good time talking with someone then they just keep talking, and if things don't get done today, there is always tomorrow.  There is no pressure to get things done, which makes doing things so much more enjoyable!  The thing that had the most impact on me was how little people had.  Take everything you own and make it disappear.  Then add in a small hut for a home with a dirt floor and no air.  Next take three of your shirts, two pairs of pants and one pair of shoes back.  Imagine no running water and little to cook with. A few pieces of rundown furniture and no car.  That is what they have, and you know what? They are the happiest people I have ever known!  Some of them are happier then I am and I considered myself a pretty humble person.  One of our translators, Daniela, said "As long as the children are feed and their family is healthy, they are all happy." And she is right.  What more do you really need?  I'm not saying that we should downgrade to just that, but think about the things we indulge ourselves in.  Those are the things we don't need!  I read that the United States is the top 15% of wealthy people, not just some of the U.s., all of it!  That means that 75% of the rest of the world lives in the way I just described.  We are such an exception to a comfortable life.  The people of Barahona, as well as the rest of the world, no nothing else than what they have. And what they have is enough.  I wish I could say that what I have is enough, but that's just not part of our culture, it's not part of the 15%. We always want more.  I'm not saying everyone should change their lifestyle, I know that would be impossible, but we just need to be aware.  We need to be mindful of this "simple" life.  

It was this culture that has raised the children I spent my week with.  And they are the reason I fell in love with this place.  These children had the biggest hearts, with the biggest smiles.  They didn't have toys or books, but as long as they had us they had fun.  They had so much love to give even though they don't receive it at home.  It was amazing the relationships that were formed in just five days and not being able to speak the same language.  All the love I saw in the culture piled up as the kids held onto me.  And their love for the Lord was even more heart warming to see.  They taught me so much more than I could have ever taught them about life and love.  It is those smiling faces that have encouraged me to come home and make a difference here by sharing their story.  BUt I can't stop there, I want to continue to go back and build on what I've already seen.  Even though I went to spread love and teach things, I feel like I was feed more than I could have ever given. 

Right now my heart is still in Barahona, with the not so nice homes, and the people who are never on time.  But that is what I love about it.  It opened my eyes to better things, that I would have never seen as good before.  My heart will stay there until I return, God willing.

Where we're meant to be

I am so proud of all of my beautiful friends who have given up their time to help others.  I have friends serving in about five different countries and that alone is amazing.  In just about a week from today I will finally have my turn!  Every year I get excited about a mission trip, but this one, I know, is going to be a bit different and a little out of my comfort zone.  But that has not phased my excitement!  I know that sometimes the best of things can come from a place of discomfort and I am ready to put myself out there. 

I cannot wait to meet the beautiful faces of the people in the Dominican.  I cannot wait to experience a culture completely different from my own. And I cannot wait to see what God has in store for all of the lives affected by this trip.  It may be something little, or something big.  Either way, I know that we will be serving for a purpose while we are there, and hopefully one that will last for a bit longer.   

I am so blessed that my friends and I have been given the opportunity to share God's love all across the world.  The stories that come from these trips and the lives that change are what makes these missions so special.  God has put us where we are for a reason even if you cannot see it yourself.

A face that will make you smile

Growing up I never knew that my aunt was different, she was always just my lovable aunt.  There has never been a time where she has not made me laugh or smile.  She has the capability to capture your heart from the moment you meet her.  No matter what happens in your life she has always been the same, loving, funny, and at times a bit difficult.  My aunt is the kind of person who can make an awkward situation disappear and a funny one come right along.  As time has gone on, I never thought of the fact that this could change.  Aunt Liz was always just Aunt Liz.  Though as I've grown and she as well her sweet character is changing.  The disease that she lives with will eventually take it's toll on her body and mind.  Even though it is the most difficult thing to watch her amazing personality fade, every once in a while you are able to see a glimpse of the real Liz.  The one that can never do any wrong, someone who can talk about farts and make you laugh.  

Thank you Liz for teaching me how to not be afraid to laugh, crack a joke, and always be myself. We will always love you and your crazy self.

One Whole Month

Being home has been such a blessing! I have been able to see all my family and friends that I love and spend time in all the places I love! Even though Wisconsin may not be like L.A., I've missed the small things.  I have missed my family the most and am so happy to be home with them all summer.  I love the time I have been spending with my mom, and it's gone right back to the way it's always been with us.  I missed Al and his comical tendencies. I've been able to see my Dad every Sunday at church instead of skyping him, which has been so great.  I spent an amazing 24 hours(ish) in Chicago with some beautiful girls and adventured in the north woods with one of my best friends.  I couldn't have asked for a better month home.  As hard as it is to be away from my APU family, I know that making the best out of where I am is what I need to be doing.  I dreaded coming back, but a little time away and to go back to my home roots is exactly what I needed.  

I have been out of college for one whole month and it honestly feels like I've been living a dream.  This past year has been nothing but wonderful for me and I am in such a great place, even though I am once again in the cold...

What a year can do...

I probably sound like a broken record when I keep saying that this year has been the best year of my life! I cannot put into words how amazing it has been.  As I sit at home in my old room again, it feels like it never happened.  But no matter how far I am or for how long, I can never forget the year that blessed me so much.  The place, the friends, the memories, and the journey.  

It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from high school and worried out of my mind about the year ahead.  I would have never imagined the things that would happen and the way everything turned out.  I never knew that by taking a leap of faith and going out of my comfort zone that I would find so much more and find myself.  

APU is the greatest place on earth.  Not many people would say that they would rather be at school.  EVerything about the school is perfect for me.  The teachers and classes are amazing and the atmosphere is even better.  I am so blessed to go to a school that finds the experience just as important as the textbooks.  I have never been to a place where I feel most comfortable in my own skin.  They make it easy to live out your faith and to learn how you can grow in that relationship.  I have been so encouraged over this past year to get to know myself and where I stand with the Lord, and I couldn't be happier.  APU has helped my faith grow more than I expected and supports it in every aspect.  The campus gives me opportunity to grow and to help other grow closer to the kingdom of God, which I believe is the best quality of a school.

Not only is APU the greatest place on earth, but it holds the most wonderful people I have ever meet.  I have not met many people there that I do not like.  EVeryone is so kind and it's easy to see that it's from the heart.  I never expected to be thrown onto a campus where there are so many genuine hearts.  EVery acquaintance is a pleasure.  APU holds the people who I have formed the absolute best relationships with!  There are a select few who I have grown so close to that I can see us together the rest of our lives.  Our relationships are so pure and trustworthy.  We laugh and we cry together and we know deep down we are sisters for life.  It took me by surprise how quickly I developed these lasting relationships, but these are my girls for life.  

I know God brought me to California this year for a reason, and I saw it all play out in front of me.  He has blessed me with the most amazing freshman year I could have ever asked for.  He has taught me so much and I don't want any more than to follow in His plans for me.  I cannot put this year into words, so I will just end with a huge thank you!!!!

Goodbyes

People always say we only part to meet again. This may be true in this case, but I know that doesn't mean saying goodbye is any easier.  Things will be changing and there is nothing we can do to stop it.  It may not be for the worst, but it is bittersweet.  To say goodbye is always hard, especially when those people mean so much to you.

This week is the end of my freshman year, and without a doubt the end of the best year of my life.  I am saying goodbye to a dorm I can honestly call home and friends that I definitely consider my family.  I have survived one full year away from my home state and I don't regret it one bit.  But now as I'm heading back home, I remember how I never wanted to leave and now I see how foolish that was.  I took the biggest risk I have ever taken and it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done.  

I will miss this year so much. The days where all fifty-two of my friends were just down the hall,  the others right downstairs.  How close we all lived and could stay up for hours talking in our lobby.  I will miss this closeness and every memory we have made.  As excited as I am for next year, there will always be a part of me that will long for this freshman year.  

I have to keep reminding myself that I will see all my loves in four months, but that seems like a lifetime.  There is no doubt that I will shed tears as we say our goodbyes, two down and many more to go.  I know there will be times at home when I just want to be with my friends, but in time we will be reunited which I know will be the BEST feeling in the world.  God has so much more planned for us in these years ahead, and we've only just begun.  I pray that even as we are apart we will continue to grow in our friendships and make them last!  I love all my APU friends so much and could not see my life now without them.  They are amazing and God has blessed me so tremendously with these friendships.  

I will never forget the beginning of this year when we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  When we became to figure out that this could work. And now when we know that four months apart will kill.  This has been a wonderful year thanks to all of you!

The beauty of it all

Once again, today I am reminded of how blessed and how lucky I am to be here today.  I am reminded of my amazing Savior who has given me this beautiful life full of opportunity.  Day by day I am still amazed at the wonders He works.  He has brought me to this place I love, given me people I that I trust, and leads me through each and every step.  His love for me is undying and everlasting.  I lean on Him with everything I am and I could not imagine it any other way.  He is my friend.  I will continue to do all I can to follow His ways and spread His love.  

He died so that I may live and know of the Father's love.  Yet it is us who live and die, but it is He who died and lived.  He is risen and has done it all for us!  Our Jesus Christ is amazing and powerful!  He is wonderful and forever I will give Him my praise!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8