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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
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| Every day was a fun adventure with these girls |
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| Experienced flavors and foods that were new and exciting |
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| We went places most people dream of going |
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| 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. |
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| We met so many amazing people from around the world |
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| 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. |
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