It's OKAY to not be OK.

Today I saw a young lady sitting by herself at a coffee shop. I could tell she was having a rough day, her head phones in- hood up. I couldn't help but think of all the times I've been there, staring off in space questioning life. I told myself to walk away, and leave her be- that is of course what she most likely wanted. Yet I couldn't leave, knowing sometimes as hard as it may be people just need a friend, stranger or not. So we introduced ourselves, sat down and enjoyed our coffees. We laughed, shared stories and she opened up about her most recently struggles. We then sat in silence together, happy to be in one another's presence. A raw moment, between two strangers who come together in their struggles. I walked away with a sweet and needed reminder that it's OKAY to not be OKAY. Learning to put down the mask of perfection down and admit- I too am human. I mess up and get back up. I stumble and fall, yet I will continue on. Because at the end of the day we're all in the same fight to live a healthy and happy life...

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The Power of a Smile

Stop correcting "i"The smell of burnt coffee beans fills the air. I can hear buzzes of cellphones, murmurs of friends talking in line- and the occasional whoosh of the expresso machine. As I look out the small coffee shop window I see a diverse city, a puzzle of God's wonderful creation. This week I have had the opportunity to connect with many people, all in different part of their life. Conversations have ranged from embarrassing subway stories, to struggles within the health care system, to future hopes and dreams. I answered the question, 'Where is Maine?" so many times this week I can not keep count. We are currently partnering with the Salvation Army in Harlem, New York. During the day we help at a food kitchen- mainly creating relationships with the community; loving them and praying for them. In the afternoons I help in a classroom of 1st graders, their teacher being another young college student. She is currently in school to be a lawyer...

This last week was spent in Indiana training with Experience Mission. First off Fort Wayne Indiana is beautiful and I could totally see myself returning at some point. The training was not only essential before leaving but has already given me the opportunity to be challenged in new ways. Whether it was learning about cross cultural differences or acknowledging topics such as hope and dignity it was needed. This was also the first time I met my team, and already it is clear God is at work. We're all coming from very different places, but with a common compassion of wanting to be there to help others and individually grow. It is so easy in a materialistic world were resources can be abundant and we are taught to pick up our phones to complain before even trying to independently problem solve. God far too often takes the back burner. Being able to leave with little communication and limited resources will give us the room to grow in areas in our lives we may have previously been un...

Learning to CLING

At first I gave my life to God during a time of deep grief. I needed a reason to believe there was something bigger and stronger than the pain I was feeling. As time went on I continued in my "faith." When times were good I praised Him. In times of pain I questioned him, yet I never truly felt the same as the night I first surrendered to Him. It seemed through the ups and downs I began to slowly drift away. It wasn't util I stepped out of my comfort zone and saw how others all around the world were worshipping the same God that I began to question my faith. My seemingly solid faith. It seemed their priorities were every different than mine. When I struggled to go to church once a week, they managed to go every night. When we were called to open our bibles, I flipped to the table of contents while others were already finished reciting the verse. Their commitment was far greater than mine. Their willingness to surrender came with willing hearts. How ...

Sing Praise to Him

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