Home Sweet Home

I finally arrived home last night (Mon) at about 10pm. I was tired and weary, but very willing to wait up for my girls to get home. They rolled in from Funtown about 11pm and jumped in bed with me and asked me questions until the last thing I heard was "I think she's asleep" ... I was wonderful.

I know it's going to take weeks to process and I'm sure the effects will last a lifetime. I have learned so much about myself these last 10 days. Most of all I've learned that "I CAN!" with the guidance and support of Christ, I can do anything that He places on my heart to do. I have no need to fear or be anxious. He will clear my path and light my way.

One of the biggest things that I have brought back is not to have expectations or concrete plans when God sends you on a mission. Sarah was great in preparing me for what I will do while there ... ANYTHING! She helped me to keep my mind open to whatever God has planned and to just let Him lead the way. We all have different gifts but the gifts that we 'think' we will give to the people isn't always the gift that we use. We discover different gifts and talents that we didn't know we had. It's wonderful. Honestly, I really expected to try to teach the girls a little dance while we were there, but it didn't happen and I'm happy just the same. I found myself giving in ways that I didn't expect or plan for, but were so joyful! I feel that I have expanded myself beyond what I ever thought I had the confidence to do. It is wonderful.

I am bringing home a greater knowledge of cultures, worlds that I didn't know exsisted and a strength that I never thought I would have. As I stated in an earlier post, that family on the agape visit was so emotional and close to home that I will never forget her pain. I feel it every morning when I wake to face the day alone with noone to lean on but the Savior. This trip has shown me a direction that my life as been missing. I am so thankful to God for tugging at my heart and clearing my path. Otherwise, I never would have gone.

Another very wonderful and teaching moment was making a connection with a very wonderful spirit on our team. She showed me so much that I didn't know about myself, so much that I had to offer and so much that God wants for me. I can't thank you enough, Tara, for what you have shown me.

Well ... it's just an update for now. As I process more, I'll fill you in more.

Thanks for all the support and comments.

All my love ~ Alma :-)