Blessings

It feels like yesterday that I was riding in the backseat on the way from the airport in Santo Domingo, scared out of my mind and trying not to cry. Isn't it crazy that the closer you get to going home, the less you want to go? I have been blessed this entire summer to meet some of the most amazing people God has created. In every location, there have been multiple people to look up to, learn from, and simply admire God's love shining through them. It has hands down been the most amazing part of this summer, and I just cannot stress how grateful I am to have met them. They have made me a better person.

I am down to two weeks left this summer, which I will serve in Joplin, Missouri. I was there for a few days before I flew out, and I remember being a little irritated about our living situation and such. Never again will I be irritated with my small shower and army cot... they are luxuries compared to Santo Domingo. Right on time for the 4th of July, I realized how very grateful I am to be an American with those luxuries handed to me from day one. After using the bathroom in a bowl, showering from a bucket, walking through streets of trash, and carrying cinderblock after cinderblock down an inclined slope made of loose gravel and rocks... I have never been so thankful to be 'Americana' in my life! I hope that I never forget this experience so that I can properly be thankful for all that God has blessed me with in the States. I will NEVER look at my bed, my shower, or my bathroom the same.

I just wanted to say thank you again for all of the wonderful people supporting me this summer. It has definitely been the experience of a lifetime, and I am so blessed to have been a part of it.