Beyond the Mission

    You guys! The goodness of the Lord has been so incredibly evident. How is it that this journey has come to an end, and I'm now at home in my own room, writing this from the comfort of my own desk? I've absolutely loved writing these past few months, and this blog has been such a great outlet for me to process and reflect. I've been stretched beyond belief, exposed to new cultures and ways of life - things I am so incredibly grateful for. I've learned more than I ever could have imagined. I've also tapped into deeper levels of intimacy with the Lord, really studying His character and nature as He continues to guide me into the next chapter of my life. I wanted to publish one last post in the meantime, something to wrap up this journey and reflect on everything this adventure has been. I want to share some of the ways I've experienced growth throughout this season and what some of my next steps might be, Lord willing. 

Missing this team extra these days

        My mom always told me something that stuck with me growing up: "As long as I was in the centre of God's will, I couldn't go wrong." It would literally be impossible. I often admired the way my mom wholeheartedly committed herself to the Lord. I never doubted that she was completely surrendered to His plan for her life. The best part about this was I got to see how most of it played out. Of course, my mom had challenges and faced her own valleys of Baca, but because she continued to walk by faith, she always came out stronger on the other side. This was fascinating to observe as I grew up, especially when I faced the curve balls life threw at me personally. I've certainly grappled with feelings of fear and uncertainty, unsure of my purpose and what the future held for me. However, over the past few years, I've witnessed firsthand what my mom promised me:  as long as I walk closely with the Lord, He will make the most wonderful path for me. Psalm 20:4 says is well: "May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." One thing I truly grasped during my time away was just how well the Lord knows each one of us. Another Psalm I love says, "Y0u have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." What a relief it is to place our entire lives in His hands, allowing Him to do exactly as He pleases. How comforting is it that the God of the entire universe, the one who knows our thoughts before we even think them, the one who already understands our deepest dreams and desires, gets to place us exactly where He knows is best. We are blessed with the peace that our future is promised to be brighter than we could ever imagine, and we get to sit back and watch it unfold. This is a concept I've really come to understand and experience in my own life, and it continues to amaze me over and over again.

Me & Dilly

    During our time in Tanzania, our team stayed in a variety of locations. One thing that each location had in common was the incredible hospitality we experienced. No matter where we were, our hosts generously served us with the best of everything they had. This was such a transformative lesson to learn, especially considering their "everything" was often as simple as offering a chair to sit on or a spot in the shade to escape the blistering sun. It didn't matter who we were or where we came from - they never failed to serve us without hesitation. This was their purest way of showing us how deeply they loved and appreciated us, and it's a kind of selfless generosity I pray to reflect in my own life. Coming from someone who has both given and received in life, I can confidently say that the memories I cherish the most are from the times I was involved in giving or serving. I pray that I am able to keep this lesson close to my heart - that I may serve the people surrounding me with the radiating joy so generously given to me by Christ. What a gift it is to have the ability to serve in a lifetime where we are given the free will to choose to do so.

My mom and best friend putting all this together to surprise me!

    As long as I've had a relationship with the Lord, I've always prayed. However, I think the most impactful lesson I've learned in the last six months is just how powerful prayer can be. I firmly believe that the relationship I have with the Lord now is a result of the prayers of the people surrounding me. Not only have I seen the result of prayer in my own life, but I also witnessed its power over Tanzania as well. I once heard a quote that went something like, "If we really understood the power of prayer, we would pray constantly," and this couldn't be more true. Prayer is so much more than empty words to the man upstairs; it's an invitation to engage with Him. We literally have direct access to speak with Him... to MEET with Him. And He actually answers! There was a time in my life when I doubted this truth, feeling unseen and unheard by the Lord. A friend gave me a powerful piece of advice - she encouraged me to write down all of the prayers I had seen answered, so I had evidence to look back on during seasons that felt more challenging. Although I never wrote a physical list, I quickly began to create a mental one. There were so many answered requests, and that list continues to grow. I pray that I continue to intercede with genuine sincerity for whatever is on my heart, fully aware that the power of my prayers can transform hearts and nations.

sweet Jack

    It's an emotional experience to bond so quickly with friends while serving others alongside them, only to suddenly part ways and head back home, where you quickly discover that life continued on without you. And that's okay. This is part of the readjustment process - the goal has shifted, and my mission has changed. It's been the most extraordinary adventure. I truly couldn't have asked for more from this process - my heart has forever been changed. As I look toward the future, I hope to continue my nursing journey at Lambton College. Although this may be a lengthy process, and nursing school is far from easy, I no longer face the unknown with fear but with excitement and anticipation. I've felt so much confirmation that this is where the Lord is leading me, and my heart is eager to grow in healthcare so I can serve others with love and compassion.  I am so excited to begin this next chapter - please keep me in your prayers as I move forward.

Missed this one.

I just wanted to wrap this up by thanking you for following alongside this journey with me. It's been such a joy to document it all - the highs and the lows. My hope when starting this blog was that it may speak to those experiencing spiritual dryness, hopelessness, or doubt, reminding them that they are not alone. No matter the season you're in, I pray you feel encouraged by each of these testimonies I shared. Thank you for being here.

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Written with love, Layla <3