a gift

My last full week here at the center… in some ways my time here felt oh so short and in another ways like I have lived a lifetime of fullfillment in just 4 months. As I reflect on the end of my time I just keep coming back to the word gift. Describing my time here as a gift from the Lord feels like the only way I can begin to explain how I am feeling. A privilege to have lived immersed in a different culture. I came to care for them but truly they cared for me even more. I discovered a joy in simplicity. I want to go into this next week with an open heart even though it aches. Friends keep asking me how I am feeling and all I can say is mixed emotions. I am so very excited see friends and family… to delight in all the little comforts and joys I miss about home to return to my faith community. But at the same time a piece of my heart will always live here in Gualan and leaving without knowing when or if I will see this home again is painful. To leave the quiet simpleness of life here is scary. But at the same time my heart knows that its time to say goodbye to this sweet season and step into a new one beginning physical therapy school in August. Without a doubt the time I spent working with patients has fueled my love for PT and desire to pursue the career. One of the hardest challenges being here was noticing all the ways I could help more if I had the knowledge of PT. Noticing needs that need to be met and not being able to meet them fully because of where I am at academically. Needless to say I know it will be those moments that will help motivate me when I face the challenges of PT school. 

A little week recap…

Highs> spending the night at director Saras place, going for walks to the tienda after dinner for icecream, watching a series with the teenagers at night, playing tag with a little girl at the center, holding the babies, and practicing my spanish with a patient 

Lows > feeling extra tired, struggling with the change in humidity, processsing the upcoming change 

God moments> quiet rainy morning prayer time, feeling His strength as He prepares my heart to leave 

Things I have learned that I want to hold in my heart as a return home… 

there is a joy in simplicity 

the charism of hospitality is a gift 

a smile and hug speak louder than words 

its so important to make every child feel like they are equally special to you 

do it anyways even if you feel inadquete 

everyday is a gift from the Lord and you are simply called to receive