Although I've been learning so much about orphanage homes, government funding, and the potential foster care system, this experience has taught me more life lessons than I could ever have imagined. I thought I would share a few.
1. You have family everywhere. I was talking with Andy Postell the day before I left and I remember him asking me what my biggest fears were about my upcoming trip. Leaving my family and living with strangers for six weeks was at the top of my list. He said, "Haley, if you truly believe in what the church is supposed to be, you have family everywhere." I am so blessed to say that those complete strangers have become my family. And it's really fun living with 7 brothers and sisters! Each of them show me a different part of God's heart. This experience just reminds me to never be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone--just think, we have family all over the world that we haven't even had the chance to meet!
2. Our relationship with God doesn't always have to be clean cut. Like I've said in previous posts, I have experienced an extremely broad spectrum of emotions since I've been here. Some moments I have felt so inspired and hopeful that I could burst, and other moments I have felt so discouraged and overwhelmed that I question why I am here. Throughout all of these days though, God has reminded me that He will always, always love me, no matter the circumstances or emotions that day may hold. I think about my most valued relationships and am reminded that genuine love is not always filled with perfect, cookie-cutter days. For instance, my Mom is my best friend and total hero, but I don't think that either of us would say that every day for the past twenty years have been filled with rainbows and butterflies. We have had our fair share of rocky days! She even cancelled my birthday party when I was little because of my smart-mouth (haha, Mom sorry I'm still a little bitter...)! Through all of that, though, there has never been a day when I doubted if she loved me or would do anything for me. And I hope she always knows that despite my mood swings, she's always my number one hero. Rocky times don't change true, genuine love for someone. And I think that our most valuable relationships on Earth are a good representation of what our relationship with God is supposed to look like. It's okay to be frustrated with God sometimes...because Lord knows he gets frustrated with us! It's okay to question things and be unsure and have bad days. You aren't any less of a Christ-follower for that. He is our Dad and He isn't asking us to be perfect, He's just asking us to walk with Him.
3. Live today while it's here. I know this sounds cliche, but being in a culture that move at least 100 times slower than our American culture has made me slow down too. So slow, in fact, that I've actually read a few books (not a common occurrence). One of the books asked how many times I have actually watched the sunset in the past week. Before coming here, I don't think I had intentionally watched the sunset all year. And when you think about it, seeing the sunset is one of the most beautiful things we can see here on Earth. I think when God painted it, He did it because he knew it would be a beautiful thing for us to enjoy. But how many times do we actually take the time to appreciate His gift? It just reminds me that watching the sunset may be something I need to pencil in before running to the next meeting or sitting inside watching the next reality TV show. How many other gifts of His are we missing out on because we're too busy? Be outside to watch the sunset three times this week...I dare you.
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