Change

"Leave. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed." -Donald Miller

I love this quote and how relevant it is to my life right now. Before coming to London, I wasn't sure if I should leave home...after graduating, I was thinking about taking dental hygiene classes, shadowing dentists, getting a job, and becoming more involved at church. All of these things are wonderful and I would still like to pursue them when I get back to the US...but they will always be there. Living abroad for a year, being out of my comfort zone, and developing new relationships will not always come into my path. Praise God for His blessings and remaining faithful through this journey.

Reflecting on the past 5 months, I have been changed for the better...

-a "worldly" perspective living in a foreign country...it's so easy to become self-centered and the idea of "the world revolving around me" living in a small city. After moving to London, I understand God created a HUGE world with so many different cultures and people who need to know Jesus. This is my calling.

-more independent and reliant on God. I love this verse from Jeremiah 17...“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” When I was living in the states, I would call my mom whenever I had a problem. Just a phone call away. However, it is a bit difficult calling my parents with an 11 hour time difference in Hawaii. I have learned to seek God first...pray first and pray foremost. I also used to be relying on my parents financially, but have learned to trust God with my finances and He ALWAYS provides. Thank you to everyone who have been supporting me as well.

-learning how to get along with different people/cultures. Even though we all speak English in the UK, there is a huge difference in culture. I could stereotype English people as polite, reserved, and drinking tea frequently throughout the day...not all of which is true, but they are very different from Americans. Americans can be stereotyped as loud, obnoxious, and fat. Pretty true, huh? Haha. I have learned to become more polite and not ask questions like "why?" as that could sound rude and limit saying "what?" Instead, I should say "sorry" or "pardon?"

-teaches me to live an ADVENTURE...take a risk. Be bold. I really can't do anything without God...I am weak, but He is strong!