Going home- a phrase I have yearned for and been scared of all at the same time. Why have I yearned for home? Well, I have yearned for my mom’s loving hugs and comforting words. Watching tv and getting Taco Bell with my sister. My long FaceTime calls with my bestie. Hearing the familiar and warming sounds of my dad’s voice scad-a-dat-taing along to whatever station he puts on throughout the house. I am excited to have my comforts of a warm shower with no bugs as my showering buddies, my bed and room with the only other living thing in it is my dog, clothes that do not have mold or stains all over it, or just having food that will not upset my stomach. I am excited to go home but, I am also scared. Scared because it is not the same home I left 9 months ago. Yes, it is in the same place and most physical things have not changed but, the people and life around it have… I have.
I am not the same Esther that left 9 months ago for Gainesville, GA. I am not even the same Esther that left back in January overseas. The Lord has COMPLETELY changed my life and frankly, I do not want my old life back. He has led me into such a sweet and deeper dependence on him as well as a trusting that he gives new mercies every day. As we have less than two weeks left I think about home a lot. I know that no one is going to truly understand what I have gone through and what my life has been these past 9 months. Heck, I am not going to understand their lives the past 9 months, but my prayer is that when I get home I do not shut up about how amazing our God is. I want to share what the Lord has done. All the amazing things I have seen the Lord do and is doing! I will not be able to completely explain everything, there are some things that you can not fully put into words, but I do not want to let that stop me. I want to share all the Lord has done. Yeah, it is scary, but we can do scary things! Going Home… the next thing the Lord and I get to walk through and partner in all for his glory. And yeah I’m excited to share all the stories you want me to! I have some pretty good ones!
Yes! The partnership doesn’t end. You and Jesus will have many adventures together. I hope I get to meet you at the PSL event. I want to hear ALL the stories!
This completely blessed me, Esther! I love your heart, your words, your commitment to remaining in this beautiful transformation that Jesus is doing in you, and your honest vulnerability about how your at-home world will have both good things and old patterns. Praying for you on your journey home!
I am so excited to hug you too! Until that time comes, please put some of those stories up here. I love you
I can’t begin to say what a blessing it has been to see you fall in love with Jesus! My quiver is full…
Dad
Amen! and thank you so much for just all of the encouragement and love you have given me and my whole squad these past 9 months its been so amazing!! Can’t wait to meet you!!
wow auntie Kim! thank you so much it means a whole lot to hear that!! love you soooo much!! and again thank you!
Hey Es!! Just wanted to drop by and say that you are absolutely, wonderfully made into the person God wants you to be! I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished on this trip. I’m so glad that I know the Esther that started this fantastic journey, and I’m honored to know the one that persevered through it all the way to the end! I know we’ve been home for a few weeks already but it’s never too late for a CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Love you girl!! Catch ya at PSL in a few weeks!