Challenges

Dear Friends,

It is about 2 o’clock over here in China. I am doing my best to find comfort in the connections I have made, but I thoroughly miss those back home.

Part of me believes I have been spoiled to the core, to grow up with a support system that I miss deeply and dearly. I have family in America and abroad, and to feel so loved is a blessing.

This challenge surpasses anything I have ever done. I feel weak at times, to be so far from those I love. I feel scared and challenged and pushed to my limits. I feel uncertain and unsure most of the time. What am I doing?!

I have been blessed with an opportunity I never thought possible. But often blessings are accompanied by fears and uncertainties.

Over the past year my spirituality has grown significantly. Thank God for the growth in this area prior to this experience. Sometimes you have to hit your knees and pray for something bigger than yourself to show you the way.

So that is what I am doing. Hitting my knees, praying for the wisdom to do the next right thing. Praying for guidance and support, for growth and strength.

Yesterday I ran laps around the track. It reminded me of home, of running in high school, of friends that sweated and cursed the heat with me. (Try cross country in Mississippi). It reminded me of challenges, of fighting, of my strength. It reminded me of the ability to conquer anything if I put my mind to it.

It reminded me of how to do life.

I am not one to give up. I am not one to bow down. I will see this thing through. But I will respect myself enough to do what is right. There is a world of opportunity at my fingertips, a hallway of new friends with kind spirits. I pray for you, friends, and I hope you pray for me too.

Peace, Namaste, Love.