A Year Ago Today

It was a year ago today that I left work with a wrist pain only to be left "jobless" for three months.

It was a scary time. I had a very small percent that was covered by workers comp and a small savings to get me through financially, but on paper, it wasn't enough to cover the cost of living for that time. 

I had my family to help support me--groceries here, dinner there, an occasional visa gift card. But again, not sure how it all added up to living within the same means as before. 

It took me a solid month to realize God had a plan. While I was busy stressing about "what am I going to do for money," God was busy at work answering prayers and making changes in my life.

I used that time to reflect on who I was and who God wanted me to be. Work had always been my priority--this was the first time I really took time for me. I found my passion for creating (I can't believe I'd gone that long without knowing this passion), I spent some amazing quality time with my family (something that I hadn't done since college), I got on the road to fulfilling my lifelong dream of a mission in India (a mind blowing experience), and I spent a crazy amount of time growing a friendship with a handsome man I now get to call my love.

 

God works through the most difficult of times in our lives. "For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)

Today I remember all these trials that God put me through to make me the strong woman I am today, and I look forward to the incredible plans that He has in store for me this year. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Love and light. 

Adrienne

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

It's Starting to Become Real

I just left my third meeting with my India group, and things just became so real. We met the people that are going to be in our three person groups--the people we will be spending 24/7 with. Questions were answered, itineraries were given, confirmation numbers with jotted down. Confirmation numbers! I am confirmed to go to India in less than three weeks!

The more and more I spend time in the word and the more and more I seek God, the more and more I'm starting to realize this isn't just a trip. This is something way bigger than I could have ever imagined. This is a turning point in my life. I know I'm going to return with more than just amazing stories and beautiful pictures. I still have a huge feeling in my heart that I'm meant to do long-term missions.

I don't want to jump the gun, but I want to put it out there as a prayer. This is what I feel in my heart to be true, and if that is truly what God has in mind for my future, may I be receptive to every opportunity He puts in my path to get there sooner rather than later. Please continue to pray for me--for the courage to get in front of a 70+ person audience, for the strength to be open and receptive to whatever is thrown my way, and for the funds still needed to complete my goal.

I love you all and am so very thankful for the continual prayers and funds that you have provided for me. 19 days to go!

Love and light.
Adrienne

And the countdown for India begins...

Website Countdowns

In 28 days, I will be carrying out a lifelong dream--I'll be boarding a plane to India for an incredible 9-day mission trip.

The process has been a roller coaster of emotions though. I feel like I'm definitely being prepped for something big. I'm the kind of person that gets easily distracted, and I know God is pushing aside all the people and things that would/could be a distraction in my life. For the first time in a long time, my free time goes to God and prepping for this trip. I feel an awesome calmness about it all.

My biggest fear going into this trip is public speaking--like 75 percent of people, I'm find myself being scared and nervous to share the word of God in front of 30-75 people. So my biggest prayer is for God to speak through me. All the words I share during this mission, may they be guided by God.

28 days and about 60 percent into the total amount of funds that I need. That's where ya'll come in. A handful of you guys expressed an interest in contributing to this cause, but haven't had the chance to yet. I still do very much need your help to get me to my goal. Donate here if you still feel in your hearts that it's what you need to do. Anything helps! Thank you all in advance. 

Love and light.

Adrienne

My "Kickstarter" for India

First, thank you to all those who have helped get me closer to my fundraising goal of $3300! You guys are amazing!

It's been two weeks now since I started asking for help, and I'm still looking for a little more support to help me get to India. As an incentive for your hard earned money, I wanted to include a little gift.

I'm doing a "kickstarter"-like deal where each level of donation will get you (the donator) a handmade bag by yours truly.

Levels:

Level 1 ($1-$20)--Small coin purse
Level 2 ($30-$50)--Medium clutch
Level 3 ($60-$100)--Laptop bag
Level 4 ($110+)--All three bags

Once you make a donation, email me (adrholgu@gmail.com) where you would like your bag to be mailed. Once the payment goes through, I'll send you your goody! Also, since it is a church donation,  you can use it as a tax deductible at the end of the year (woop woop!).

Thank you all in advance!

Love and light
Adrienne

I'm going to India and need your help!

My beautiful friends and family,

As you might have seen from my recent post on Facebook, I’m going to India for a mission trip! My team of 21 people are going to Punjab, India to work with For All Mankind Movement (FAMM) and help spread the Gospel of Jesus in a project called Heart for Punjab.

We will partner with FAMM to help pass out small kits, called Compassion Kits, filled with basic hygiene items that help demonstrate the love of Jesus while sharing the message of the gospel to those in need.

Going to India has been a long time dream of mine, and getting to go there on a mission trip to follow my passion of helping others, has far surpassed that dream. I understand that many of you may not be religious and might find it difficult to support a mission trip. Know that, aside from spreading the gospel, I will be there as a humanitarian--there to help with the welfare and happiness of the Punjabis.

We leave August 1 and returns August 9. The trip is $3300, and I’m asking for help from everyone I know--not just in money, but in prayers as well. It’s difficult for me to ask for help in general, can you imagine how difficult (and scary) it is asking my nonbeliever friends to help aid me? However, I truly believe that is this something I’m meant to do, and know that God will provide one way or another. 

Please take time to consider donating. Honestly, any amount will help get me closer to that goal. You can donate online here (click on my name in "referred by") or by mail with the donation card I’ve included at the bottom.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and please feel free to message or call me if you have any questions. 

Love and light,
Adrienne Holguin