“You are going to come back from this trip a completely new person.”
I really can't count how many times I heard this before I left, and every time I heard it I got even more excited. I'm so excited to see things that will break me and change how I do life, and to meet people who are going to help shape me to become the person Jesus has created me to be.
But one thing I've really been learning these past couple weeks, is that it is possible to 'go through the motions' on this trip. It's possible to grow numb to poverty after seeing it everywhere. It's possible to come into our house right after church instead of staying out talking to people because my Spanish isn't very good. It's possible to watch movies instead of spending that hour and a half with Jesus. It's possible to go into town and get internet on our free time instead of going out into the barrios and doing more ministry. And it's very possible to do things halfheartedly here. It actually is possible to not be changed.
'Becoming a new person' and seeing that change and growth in yourself doesn't come effortlessly. So these last few weeks have really consisted of me pouring myself out to the community, and it's so rewarding to begin to see the fruit of that! And I have found that so often, it's the times where I feel completely exhausted that I see God show up the most. Seriously, that has happened so many times. I will be the first to attest, that you definitely reap what you sow. However much of yourself you pour out, that is how much God will pour more of Himself into you.
Give yourself away.
