I am officially back in the good ole U.S. of A. surrounded with a joyful re-entry welcome from my family and friends. There were moments this past year where I thoroughly believed this day would never come.
In reflecting on the lessons, teachings, hard days, fun moments, and sweet friendships; I am taken aback at the vast generosity of the individuals that first believed in my call to embark on this year of mission work. My year would not have been so faithfully guided without the support, prayers, and constant encouragement my community at home offered to me in every single moment of the last 322 days on the field.
My support came from a realtor, a recruiter, a teacher, a nanny, a youth pastor, a nurse, a resident doctor, a fitness instructor, a professional golfer, a toy sales woman, an insurance agent, an accountant, a grad student, an undergrad, a 10 year old, a pastor, a pastor’s wife, a college football player, an NFL football player, a receptionist, an industrial knives VP of sales, a production coordinator, a Sunday school teacher, a CEO, a photographer, a police officer, someone in-between jobs, a homemaker, a grandmother, and a total stranger who loves to support missionaries.
The body of Christ is unique, diverse, and incredibly edifying to one another and I am so thankful I was able to benefit from this supernatural family in such a specific way throughout this year. I am forever in awe of the enormous gift that people are to one another should we choose to honor, value and build one another up for the purposes of the gospel.
This year would just have been a “what if” had not all of you who gave and prayed for me reacted to the stirring and prompting of the Lord to send me on a journey I hope you all equally benefitted from. My thank you and my words could never sum up how deep my appreciation goes for everyone who took time and resources out of their own life to enable me to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord, while serving communities worldwide.
To those reading this blog right now and who have followed along in my writings; thank you for allowing me to process the questions, the wrestling, the prayerful moments, the deep reflections, the adventures, the people, and the new perspectives with you. My writings have been truthful, honest, and vulnerable as I hope to highlight all the Lord has done, is doing, and will do through his beautiful and purposeful creation. I appreciate all who have encouraged me through my writings and who clearly understood my need for prayer based on these very small glimpses into our reality.
My heart is full as I jot down my last thoughts of this year and sign off of this blogging platform that so perfectly helped me document my time on the field. The Lord, in his perfect provision and unfailing love, carried me through an often difficult and exhausting year to bring me to a place of humble gratitude and brighter perspective of his saving grace. He built me by discipline and conviction, through service and revelation of the purposes he so clearly set before us in his Word. I am marked by the responsibility this year has brought forth to me in sharing, no matter the circumstances, the Lord’s heart for his creation and his faithful plan of redemption and restoration for his children.
My prayer is to never forget the loving deeds of the Lord as I am reminded by Deuteronomy 7:7-9 which has been a comfort to me all year ending with this reminder:
“…Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Thank you, supporters. My gratitude is unending.
Signing off with all my love, Amanda.
