Week one

It’s been a week already! I don’t have much to say besides God is so good. This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me, going between desperately missing my parents, Addison, and Addison’s little sister Scarlett, and being so excited for what God has in store for me during this trip. I have already learned so much more about who I am and who I want to be. Ive always known that someday I want a big family of my own, but being here with mentors who are teaching me how to discern my path, morals, and goals has shown me just how family-oriented I truly am. I know I like to stay in my shire, which means no matter how many trips or journeys I go on, I will always desire to end up home (home being with my people(somewhere near my parents/family)). That does not mean I can’t have “quests” or mentors or strive to grow and be independent, but it means I was created to stay in a stable environment with the people I truly adore. God has already shown me some pretty crazy things that I cannot explain in any other way than Godly works. I have met 30 other people from all across America who I will live with for the next four months because we share one common goal of filling our spirits with the Lord, and a community like that has already truly blessed me. Already, I can see that this trip is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I can also say with certainty that it is the best decision I have ever made. I have already learned so much about myself and the lord and I know he has so much more to teach me. We are staying in an orphanage in tuxla mexico for kids who have been taken out of unsafe homes by the government (so it’s more like a foster care). Which has been so so so amazing, I get to spend 5/7 days with all 100 kids (which is completely different than the rest of my team who are doing coffee ministry or garden ministry), teaching them how to speak English, creating a friendship, and sharing the love of God. I have always loved kids, so this is the BEST case scenario for me in ministry. It has shown me that God sees me for who I am and the desires I have and will put me exactly where I need to be.  A lot of people have asked if I have a shower or a washer and dryer, and the answer is yes! We have both! Where we are staying is a blessing from the lord it is so nice! So far, we have visited tiny coffee farms deep in the mountains, played at the orphanage, swam at a local watering hole, went to Walmart 1000 times. Went to the mall, missed a flight, petted lots of dogs (not sorry, Mom), and had many FaceTimes with my people! Every Saturday is an adventure day, so I am going to get to do many fun things!!! I will do a blog every Sunday to keep y’all updated! For prayer request My number one is homesickness. I feel like I am missing four pieces of myself, and it’s extremely hard to be away from my people, so pray that the lord keeps giving me the strength to find the joy and blessings He’s overflowing my trip with instead of dwelling on how much I miss my people. Another one is that I will be able to connect with the kids and really lead them to Christ. A lot of them have been through unimaginable things, and they really need Jesus. Thirdly, to dive into the amazing community God has blessed me with and make deep friendships with the people here. Lastly, for continued health! Thank yall so much for keeping up with my stuff and praying for me!

With Love Layla.

Here’s our view from the roof of where we are staying!