(Written April 27, 2008)
I think the only thing harder than staying in Mexico is going to be leaving Mexico. It was honestly so hard to be here – good, but hard. I can remember back to the first semester when I longed for “home” and friends. God taught me where my true home is and that He is here – I learned that He is more than enough. Then I think back to February when the chance to leave was glaring in my face. So much of me wanted to walk away. God again reminded me that He is more than enough, and He has taken the challenges, frustrations, tears, and disappointments and turned them into a beautiful picture of His unfailing love and His incredible faithfulness. Being here this year has been so rewarding, but these past two months in particular have been special. Two months ago today we moved into the new house, and just over two months ago I had the opportunity to leave. As difficult as it was to accept in the beginning, I’m so glad God kept me here. I feel like the past two months have been extra special for some reason…and I can’t begin to imagine how different things would be for me if I hadn’t been here. I would have missed out on some really amazing things – I truly believe that. I know God could’ve taught me a lot at home and that my location doesn’t limit His ability to work and move. I do believe, though, with all my heart that this is exactly where God wanted me. And as I think about leaving in two weeks, I can feel the tears fill my eyes. God has taken my desire to leave and put in me the longing to stay. He changed the way I look at the world. I know that in the future I will be able to think back on my time in Mexico with a smile – remembering how God worked through the hard times, how He sustained me when I thought I couldn’t make it, how He blessed me with some incredible friendships, and how He was with me each step of the way. I’ll think back and smile as I recall the memories, the laughs, and the craziness. This has been a messy, beautiful testimony of God’s greatness, and given the opportunity I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
I can’t thank all of you enough for your prayers, encouragement, and support. It has been a huge blessing knowing that people have been backing me up. As I return to Columbia, I look forward to talking with you further and sharing more about what God has done this year in Mexico.
