The Finish Line

As I face the end of this year in Honduras, I feel challenged to reflect on my experiences, my growth, and the things that I have learned. Based on my visits to the States during this year, I already know and believe that it is very easy to slip back into my former identity - my former routines and often misguided values. However, I want to be shaped and molded by all that I've seen and done and prayed and cried and loved. The following list of reflection is neither comprehensive nor complete. I make no promises about remembering and living by all of my newfound knowledge and understanding. It is only grace, not a difficult year in a third-world country, that can make me a new creation. My dad once taught me that in order to say an experience was life-changing, you have to live it out for some time to move past the emotional high and see how life is different in the aftermath. All that being said, during my year in Honduras, I learned the following tid-bits in the following areas:


Family:
I am blessed with a family that loves me more than words can express. I have never felt their care, concern, and sacrificial love more than this year. I know that my parents would absolutely give or do anything for me. They love me selflessly.

Teaching:
Teaching requires patience. My emotional response to the actions of my students cannot force respect or obedience. Sometimes you must listen more than you speak. Sometimes you should listen before you accuse. Sometimes there are things more important than walking in straight, quiet lines. Students and relationships with them can change and fluctuate drastically in the course of ten months.

Work:
In this life, Christ-followers do not just choose a job to serve themselves. My work is not about me. I do not do it because it is easy, convenient, comfortable, or beneficial to me. Therefore, I must choose to live a life of commitment and faithfulness that does not quit when things get difficult.

Children:
Children need consistency. They need consistency in expectations, routine, discipline, and love. They need to know that those who love them, in whom they trust, will not leave them. They are also often capable of giving incredible forgiveness and unconditional (undeserved) love.

Missions/Ministry:
One of the best ways to impact the people around you is to invest in them long-term and to simply live life alongside them. Here in Honduras, the people often best-equipped to spread the Gospel are the native Hondurans. With them, there are no language or cultural barriers. Our students are most open to and most impacted by those who can offer them the dedication and consistency that they need. Perhaps, in areas where a local church has already been established and if possible, it is most beneficial to partner with, encourage, and serve that church so that they are equipped to meet the needs all around them.

Missionaries:
Just because someone is a "missionary" does not mean they are holy. In fact, in the case of some, it also doesn't not guarantee that they are nice. I am the same person with the same struggles at "home" and "on the field."

Strength:
I can do more than I realize. Whether good or bad, each day passes at the same speed, and a new day is a fresh start.

Materialism:
It is possible to live without a cell phone, without a car, and without air conditioning. A luxurious life is not necessarily a better life.

Potlucks:
Whether Baptist, or Southern, or not, community often revolves around food, and potlucks happen all over the world.

Worship:
It is possible to worship and to learn in a language you do not fully understand.

Soccer (and life in general):

"Miss, when you kick someone, you just say, 'Sorry,' and keep playing..."

 
To any and all of you who have followed this journey along the way and offered your support and prayers, thank you.