my hope is this trip has changed me.
the whole summer I felt unfilled and unloved.
a silly notion for sure. but a creeping thought nonetheless. everyone else on the trip said they were terrified. though I knew that God had placed me here for a reason. as selfish as it is. this trip was for me. to grow. learn to love.
BE HAPPY.
I knew that I had to let every fear I've ever had. All my anxiety about if I'm even worth talking to. I had to let it go. so for the first time in years, I let myself, go. I laughed and danced and smiled and tried so hard not to let the demons into my head. Only Angels from Idaho Wyoming Kentucky Texas Utah California Nevada South Dakota & Alaska. They flew into my heart. I knew only hours into the trip that my life would never feel the same.
I am the top 1% of the world. Here I am. Working with the bottom 1%. I gave myself to the work. My hands were used to shovel. Lay. Hug. Play. Pray. My hands were rough and dirty. Though Christ's hands were the same. He bore the sins of the world for ME.
How lucky we are to be so loved.
Throughout the trip I thought.
Would I die for these people?
For my newly found friends? For the children? The ward? The simple answer was yes. Would I sacrifice myself for their happiness? Of course.
happiness was found very easily in Bolivia. all you had to do was wake up.
But here. It's a constant reminder to smile and love and live life as though I am of importance.
Bolivia made me realize I still had happiness and light inside me. It had not been put out yet. It was flickering still. Bolivia made it roar. Made flames. wildfires engulf my entire being into happiness. It burned the sadness. It burned the selfishness. The unkind thoughts. The no confidence side of jane.
God was with us. my constant companion the whole way through.
He made sure I had parents. Sisters. Brothers. Who would defend me. Love me. Fight for me. All in a tiny country with no family around.
pure and utter peace fell on me every morning and every night.
Inspiration and blessing were raining into us. Thank you for making me feel loved.
Someday I will return the favor tenfold.