Mexico was not what I expected. It wasn't picture-perfect. It wasn't a big event that made me do a one-eighty.
But, it was good. It was beautiful. It was life-changing. Mexico reminded me of things I'd learned and of how much I still have to learn.
I have been struggling to share about Mexico with honesty, showing how beautiful and hard it was. As I e-mailed some friends who had also gone on missions trips, I realized I was not alone. Almost everyone who has traveled overseas experienced something completely different than they expected. I would venture to say that many people came back exhausted and filled with questions.
And that is okay!
With prayer and processing, one comes to see that God had a plan through it all and that He is making a much more beautiful picture than we could have ever made ourselves.
So I want to encourage all of you who have traveled and all of you who want to by this next series of posts. Some of my wonderful writing friends and I will be sharing about mission trips we went on that did not turn out how we had hoped. It is my hope that through each post you will be able to see that when God brings you to something, He will use you and teach you in it.
And He will bless you abundantly in it.
I've been feeling these same things since returning from Nicaragua: not sure how to help, at a loss for words to accurately describe the experience, but so wanting to share it with anyone who will listen. I look forward to reading more about your trip, Lizzie!
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri! I enjoyed reading some about your trip to Nicaragua on your blog :) I understand! I got back from Mexico almost 3 months ago, and I still don't have the words to tell others but I try whenever someone will give me the chance! I will pray for you as you process your recent trip too. Thank you for reading!
DeleteLizzie, I completely understand where you are coming from!! And I love your wording about God making a beautiful picture... It can be hard to see at times, but we have to hold onto His goodness. Thanks for sharing honestly.
ReplyDeleteHannah, thank you! Yes, it is sometimes hard to see His goodness, but we have to trust that He is still good even when it is hard or doesn't make sense. When we can look back, we will always see that He is good all the time!
DeleteLizzie, many years ago, a friend went to Mexico. When he came back, I asked him to tell me about it. He thought about it for a bit, and said, "I can't explain it to you. It is something you have to experience." He was right. I have since visited Guatemala 14 times, and Colombia twice. Each time, I see another piece of His beautiful puzzle. It isn't something you can do justice to by explaining. I have friendships and many I consider family, in those countries, and there is no adequate explanation. You must experience it.
ReplyDeleteGarry, I agree! It is so hard to explain it; you have to experience it. That's awesome! Thank you for reading and commenting :)
DeleteOh Lizzie. I returned from India seven and a half months ago and my mind just still can't..! You're not alone!
ReplyDeleteShelley, thanks! You're not alone either :)
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