The Beauty of Africa

The Lord continues to bless me day in and day out! I am so overwhelmed with joy that I can barely focus on daily tasks.  This all started as nothing.  Study abroad was not my thing and California was abroad enough for me.  One night, late last semester, I couldn't fall asleep.  It was one of those nights where your brain can't stop running.  I just kept thinking and thinking about one thing, Africa.  It was such an odd thing, how it popped up and I couldn't get it out of my head.  This led me to apply for a semester in South Africa, I didn't know if it was where I was supposed to be or if I even wanted to go.  But something inside of me knew I had to apply.  This August, while at the zoo, I opened up an email from the Study Abroad Office here at APU congratulating me. I had gotten in.  I was still unsure about it, but the fact that I opened up that email on my phone while standing next to the South African elephant exhibit said I had to think about it some more.  

Each day that goes by I become more and more confident in my decision to go to South Africa. It seems too good to be true and I can't explain how lucky I feel! Tonight we had our first meeting and it just got me so pumped that I doubt I will be able to sleep.  The things I know I will get to experience are going to be phenomenal and I know God is stirring up something big. This trip is four months of living in absolute beauty created by our Lord.  It's something I've never done before and I am more nervous than I have ever been.  But I have such faith that this is going to be a life changing experience.  I thank the Lord day after day for the things He has done in my life! I could not be more thankful for this opportunity to explore a new world, form life-long friendships and experience God in a whole new light!  I haven't been there yet, but I can see that the beauty of Africa is going to be hard to ignore.

Overjoyed with Joy

Today was a simple day.  A day off, relaxing, nothing special.  I went to check my email like I do every morning and then suddenly today was no normal day.  I received an email that to my surprise almost brought me to tears.  It was an email from the Dominican, from our dear friend Malou.  Little did she know that email made my day alone.

The email contained no words, just three attachments that I excitedly downloaded to my computer.  When I saw the pictures that were attached to the email my heart exploded!  

Here on my computer screen was the little boy, starring up at me, that I had fallen in love with while in the Dominican.  

I have been communicating with Malou, ever since I returned at the beginning of July, my desire to sponsor Jeudi.  So far the only information I had gotten was that they were trying to get my request to the proper channels.  So low and behold, I was so happy to see this picture come my way! Jeudi is almost two and had never been to the doctor, had no birth certificate and a serious respiratory problem.  Here he is, just yesterday, for the first time at the clinic in Barahona.  New clothes, a hair cut and a healthy boy!  

I could not believe that my interest in this little boy that one afternoon in Don Bosco had gotten him the care he needed.  Less than a month later he has had a life changing moment in that fact that he got to see a doctor.  I did nothing but continue to send emails asking to get him to the clinic and look where the Lord took him.  I am here to encourage everyone that just a little effort for a child in need can go SO far!!  If you put in the little love for a child like Jeudi across the world, you have no idea the impact you could have.  

I truly believe that I was called to the Dominican so that today I could receive this email.  Through all the beautiful things that happened on that trip, meeting Jeudi was the one thing I know that was supposed to happen.  He is the reason I continue to believe in miracles, and the fact that there is a much higher power doing this beautiful work.  Through God's will I was able to put that smile on Jeudi's face, and I urge everyone out there to seek out an opportunity like this.  Because you never know when one moment could give a child the gift of happiness.

Happy

Today as I was driving home, I realized how happy I am with where I am in life.  I mean sure I don't really want to go to work tomorrow, but in the end that doesn't matter.  I am content with everything around me, and am not afraid for time to continue on.  I'm usually in that place where I think "I never want this to end", but now I'm okay with things ending because I'm just so excited to see where the rest of my life leads me.  Right now I don't have a set plan or an idea of where this next year is going to take me.  Usually not knowing would drive me insane but I'm so trusting of my future.  This summer has been such a blessing and has really allowed my faith to expand to heights I never imagined.  It's freeing.  So as these days draw to an end, it will be sad to leave my home and my family, but that's the way it is.  I am going to go into this next year knowing everything I need will be provided.  I am going to enjoy each day, wherever I may be because it's just not worth it to question too much.  
Lovin' Life.

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...