Finally... I've been waiting for this day for months. :) So as I am sitting here procrastinating on last minute packing as usual, I thought I would post some final thoughts before I leave.
1. The last few week have left me slightly overwhelmed and amazed at all the people who support me in my life. To my wonderful friends, family, and co-workers who have stayed by my side this last year: thank you for everything. I could NOT have gotten here without you!
2. I haven't been able to stop thinking about all the people I will meet while I am in Belize. Especially the cute little kiddos. Since I will be staying in many villages/towns there are going to be a lot new faces and there is nothing I love more than learning about how each person in this world is completely unique in their own way. Everyone has their own story, family, friends, struggles, passions... and I hope that I am inspired by every single one of them!
3. I have been oddly at peace this final week leading up to the trip. I think it is because of the service I went to at Mosaic church last Sunday (thank you R.J.!). It was all about living a life free from fear. If you know me at all, you know that fear is something I struggle with a lot. The pastor said many times "Do not be afraid, He is with you always. God never promised us that life would be easy, but His promise is that He will be with us at all times." I need to remember that while this trip will be extremely hard at times, I am not going for my own pleasure and comfort; I am going to serve. And I will do it with a loving heart because even if I am unhappy/sick/uncomfortable at times, I know that my only true comfort is in Jesus. And that is something that's far beyond any happiness I can find on this Earth. :)
Anyways, I guess my last words before I get ready to leave are from a quote that I absolutely love, and what I want to strive to be more like in my life:
"You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for somebody who will never be able to pay you back."
Adios Seattle, I'll see you in ten weeks!
-Shannon
p.s. I will be posting in Belize about once a week I think, so check back here when you can. :) Much love!
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (:
ReplyDeleteSHANNON. Fifth east is already so sad without you. I will be thinking of you and praying for you often. Gosh, I just love you so much and am so thankful for our friendship!!
ReplyDeletehi sweetie! i just have to tell you how very proud i am of you! i know you will do good things over there, and i'll be thinking of you every single day. i hope you got some much needed rest today, although i'm sure meeting the other interns when you arrived was exciting and fun. take care of yourself. i love you!
ReplyDeleteIt totally deleted my comment! So I'm going to try to remember what I said haha :) Well of course I miss you like crazy and our room looks so depressing I can barely walk in there without tearing up! Ih ope this past couple of days have been wonderful, Shan. Also, we've been house hunting and may have found a prospective one on Emerson street AKA super close to campus! The guy who can show it to us is out of town till next week so he said he could show it to us then so keep your fingers crossed! Love you so! Always thinking of you and always praying for you! Miss you!
ReplyDelete~Car