A Little Reminder to Let Go and Let God

I've been feeling a little discouraged lately--not sure what's next in my life, missing India and the people. I was on fire for so long, and now that I'm back, the things I do, the job I work, makes me feel like I'm wasting my time.

I've made it a point to speak up about the amazing things God did and showed me in India. I know that at least by sharing my experiences, I can be the salt in the strangers' lives I come across at work. But I still feel like there's more I should be doing.

This morning I woke up early to take Miguel for a walk (I'm dog sitting). It's 8am on a Sunday so I walk out in my pjs thinking no one will see me. As we are about to head inside, a beautiful Indian woman walks out in her pjs and shouts "good morning!" to me. I replied quickly and tried to get Miguel to head up stairs, but stopped myself.

I introduced myself and she just started telling me her whole story. She and her husband just moved to Austin, they're fairly new to the US, miss their family, but they visit every other year. I assured her that she moved to the perfect place in Austin and that I am unfortunately moving from the complex next month.

"You must come over before you leave. Do you like Indian food?" I laughed and told her I had just gotten back from India. She lit up so bright. I told her why and how much I had loved being there. She asked "aren't the people so amazing?!" I laughed again and told her I was in love with everyone I met.

I have a feeling she and I are going to become great friends.

Thank you, God, for reminding me that India will be in my life somehow--it doesn't have to mean me being there. I will be patient and let go of the reigns.

Love and light.
Adrienne

My big takeaway from India

Going to India on a mission trip has truly been life changing. I will be posting many posts of photos and the AMAZING work that God did there through my team, but first I wanted to post a little self reflection as an American who has a life of comforts.

Things I've Taken for Granted:
-Toilets
-Shower curtains
-Showers
-Doors
-Clean water
-A/C
-Soft beds
-Coffee
-Music
-Alone/free time
-Not needing to put on shoes to use the restroom
-Dressing when I'm fully dried off
-Being in charge of my own schedule
-Wearing shorts and tanks in the heat/at all
-Propping my feet up after a long day
-Whistling
-A home with a floor
-Supermarkets/grocery stores
-WiFi
-Paved roads
-Not covering my head during prayer


We live a very plush life here in America, and it isn't until we don't have our comforts that we learn their value. However, as amazing as all these things are in my life, I could do/did without. I loved every minute of going without these comforts and embraced it. Yes, I may have said a silent prayer every time I used a "squatty potty," but I mastered it by the second day. Yes, sitting on a wet toilet seat (when we are blessed with a home that has one) and wondering "is this pee or shower water," isn't always easy, but I gave thanks to at least be sitting while doing my business. Yes, sleeping on a table is difficult at first, but my back never felt better. And yes, wearing a couple layers of full-body covering clothing is so very difficult in 100+ degree weather, but at least I'm not the only one sweating profusely.

The point is, I realized that these are all just things. Whatever you have on earth is only temporary. If you work hard at getting what you want, you might eventually have a "pleasurable" life, but in the end you will find it hollow and empty. Follow Jesus, and you will know what it means to live abundantly now and to have eternal life as well.

This was one of the bigger takeaways from India, things are things, the true gift is God's love.

Love and light.
Adrienne