If you had told me 11 months ago that I would be leaving the country alone for 4 months, I’d tell you you’ve lost your mind and that my mom would never let me leave early. For those of you who have known me for a while, you know that I was always the kid who came home early from summer camp and sleepovers because I missed my parents, I didn’t like the school break because I didn’t get to see my friends every day, and for the last 4ish years, I haven’t gone longer than 3 days without begging to see my boyfriend. All that being said, this trip is very out of the blue for my personality, of what I like to call having a lot of love for my people, and what others call attachment issues… So, as you can imagine, I have been overwhelmed with emotions as I approach the last 2 weeks at home. I’m very excited to meet the people I will be living with for this next chapter of my life and experience all the things God has in store for us, but I am also very sad to be leaving the people I love the most behind. So, for my last blog before everything changes, I would love to ask for prayer. Please pray that I can embrace all new things and enjoy this next chapter without missing my people too much lol, pray for saftey for me and my team as we travel and live in new places, pray that we can reach all the people God has laid in our path and show his love to them, pray for growth as i begin something new, pray for health as there are many changes my body will go through with food, medicine, weather, water, etc, and overall that all things Godly will fall into place. And a side note of another part of my life, it is college season!! I have applied to many different schools and would love prayer for guidance from God for what is best for me and acceptance letters! I am very excited to continue sharing my journey with you guys!! t-19 days, Mexico here I come!
Also, as an update, I will be beginning in Chiapas, Mexico, and staying there from January 3rd to February 28th, then moving on to Antigua Guatemala, and finally spending the last two weeks of my trip in a beach town in El Salvador!
With love-Layla
LAYLA 🥹🥹
no words for how proud i am of you and this bold step you’re taking. but if i could pick anywho who would thrive in this mission trip, i would choose you 100 times over again. do NOT worry, we will be here anticipating everyday till you come home. i love you tons, but and praying for you even more 💗
Thank you for sharing this authentic post. I’m sure you are a mix of big emotions and unsettling imaginings anticipating such a huge change to what you have always known. I am praying for you to have confidence in moving forward with this trip and time away and in relying on the power and purpose of God while you also feel afraid, doubtful, overwhelmed and question your choice. Learning to rely on Him for the good results and affect in your heart is the hardest for we humans, who so naturally rely on ourselves. You are so courageous Layla, and you will learn and grow so much through this trepidatious next few weeks! We look forward to supporting you / just opened your beautiful graduation card! You will be in my prayers. -Kate’s mom, Ashlee
Layla,
You have always been independent and courageous. You’ve always had strong convictions. Your love for the Lord and desire to serve Him while spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ is proof of your true character. You are amazing! May Heavenly Father continue to fill your heart with love. May He keep you safe and healthy on this journey! Peace be with you! We love you!