Thursday, May 1, 2014



Day 89:
We never really slept. Days 87 through 89 seemed all too fugacious- here one moment and gone the next. This whole trip, really. Three whole months. As we sit on the plane, I don’t know whether I should reflect on the past 89 days or to anticipate my next adventure. Our minds are on complete overload as we try to process the reality of the fact that we aren’t in Lisbon anymore.
No more cobblestone streets to pave our paths. No more buses and metros to carry us through the city. No more statues and hidden places around every corner. No more living with some of my favorite people… but I am going to focus on the positive.
Somewhere between February and now, I gained a heart-full of new friends to love. I gained the experience of a lifetime- I lived in Europe for a while. In the past 89 days, I have learned more about myself than I ever thought I could- some great things, some things I see I need to work on but that’s where I get to grow. Living in Lisbon, I learned to be more bold and zealous. I faced my fears and conquered them. I saw how the bible is truly a book for all people and experienced firsthand God’s impartiality when it comes to the extent of his love. I got to be strong for people around me. I was pushed to the limits and tested in many ways but I grew so much stronger in faith and in reliance on Jehovah for that. I come out of this 89 days with experiences and friends to last me a lifetime.
Sometimes it feels as though I took more from serving where the need is greater than I actually gave. If Lisbon taught me anything it is this: life, as the Portuguese would say, is not always ‘pink’ but when you learn to put Jehovah and others first and to trust in Jehovah with everything you have- nothing can bring you down. I learned patience. I learned that sometimes the most difficult of tasks are the most rewarding. I saw how the spirit can overcome the body and mind when you really need it to. Most of all- I saw prayers answered and I saw Jehovah’s hand in more ways than I could ever hope to describe.
Right now, it hasn’t hit me yet. In my mind I am still in Europe… I don’t know what life will bring now but I do know that no matter where I am in the world, I will continue to grow and to put Jehovah first. I will lean upon him, and let him guide me to my next adventure. As far as this one goes- my 89 days in Europe might be over but the experiences, lessons, and friends that I gained will forever live in my heart.
Positives of the Past 89 Days
 
 
 
Every day was a fun adventure with these girls


Experienced flavors and foods that were new and exciting
 
 
 

We went places most people dream of going

We got to support the congregation in a foreign field, seeing firsthand Jehovah's role on drawing honest hearted ones from every corner of the globe to him. It was the biggest blessing and joy.
 

We met so many amazing people from around the world

We were all brought together for a reason. I couldn't have done it without these girls. They were such a blessing- all such beautiful and spiritual people. They will forever be in my heart- even if they are across the globe.