Finally

Time for an update...

The journey that just won't start... is about to begin.

I got asked to be a summer intern in Guatemala for Buckner International today. I gladly accepted. I leave July 10th and return August 9th, and I bet a million bucks I will not want to get on that flight back here.

It feels weird... I have been praying about leaving the country since my sophomore year of high school (five years, but who's counting?) and the prayer was answered today. Talk about God showing me who's boss.

Lesson learned: I can plan things all I want. I can pick my major, occupation, friends, etc. I can research mission trips and apply and get accepted, only to have them taken away by parents that I thought didn't understand where I was coming from. I can tell everyone I am doing this or doing that, only to be brought back down to the dirt at His feet.

I didn't plan this one. Didn't rush or tell tons of people. Didn't put so much emotion into the process. I prayed, applied, prayed some more. Made it through a hardcore interview. Fully trusted God to make things happen the way He wanted them to (the trust thing should be a given, but it's harder than it sounds). For once, my intense history didn't disqualify me from this experience. And only Jesus could have allowed them to look past the negative aspects of my testimony and focus on the one thing that truly matters: Christ is my healer, redeemer, saving grace, and ultimate forgiver.

Another awesome fact: my entire family is going to London for spring break! I can't believe I have waited so long to leave the country and now I get to go twice within five months. God is miraculous.

School and new medicine is kicking me hard lately, but I'm pushing through. I have even more incentive now to do so!

In case I don't get back here before May, I get to be in my best friend's wedding on April 26th in Dallas, right before finals. Should be an amazing/interesting time. Christen DeBerry... different, but a good different.

Life is changing fast, but I knew it would happen sooner or later. Thank goodness I have someone to turn to no matter what time of day to keep me on the ground and on track in life.