Nostalgia.

A year ago today, I said a hard goodbye to my parents & teary-eyed little sister. With a overstuffed pack on my back, I boarded a plane headed east. 

I met up with my new best friend for 6 months in Dallas, along with some others headed in the same directions.

And the journey began.

I asked God for something hard.

Something out of the ordinary.

I wanted out of my comfort zone

to be stretched and strengthened.

He was completely faithful in giving me what I asked for but it wouldn't be until a year later that I understood that.

You see, when I asked for hard

I was thinking smelly, dirty, bugs,

strange food, stares, explosives.

Did i receive all of that?

Yes.

But I also felt the most intense heart break I have ever known.

I was reminded in the midst that this is the heartbreak God feels for those who don't know him.

That in this time I am identifying with Christ more than ever.

It has been a super hard storm to battle but in the end

I can say that He is faithful.

He is in control.

He loves me.

And He loves each one of those little brown babies I played with at the school,

And each one of the women I passed on the way to the market

and even all of the men that have some serious staring issues.

He created them, loves them and wants a relationship with them.

So when they worship idols,

His heart breaks.

When they do works to earn what He died to give them,

His heart breaks.

The people of that crazy, overpopulated country have changed my life But it's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords that changed my heart.

The last 365 days have shaped me in a way that the 23 years haven't been able to.

I am forever thankful to my savior Jesus who thought enough of me to allow me to be a part of His ancient work.

The best news is...

It has only begun.