Ten years ago.....

I took a step that would change my life forever. It began in January when I went and applied for my passport. That was an exciting day…but not as exciting as this one. I dreamed, and prepared, and packed, and repacked…and at last that LONG awaited day came…and I headed off to the airport. I checked in with Dad, Wade, and a few other people. I was excited, nervous, and a bit apprehensive…but I wanted to do this so bad.

Now, you may be wondering…an airplane ride? How could that change one’s life? Well it’s not the airplane ride that changed it…it was what was at the end of that first airplane ride.

When the flight landed I was in a different country and a different culture. It was all so different…it was hot (compared to the USA), they drove on the wrong side of the road, they had an accent…one that would take me plenty of time to truly understand…most of the food had curry in it...and you could tell these people had a deep and fervent love for God. Yeah…you guessed it…I was in Trinidad. And my world has not been the same since. In the week that I was here 10 years ago I fell in love…no not with a guy…or even a person…but with a country, a people, a way of life. The people here were friendly, they were strong Christians that inspired me to study harder. I realized that in the US I took way to many things for granted….and I had to do some rethinking. The people here went far and above the call of duty to provide food for us, to provide transport and so many other things. I went home that year with a new outlook on life. I was so rich…so much richer than so many…and yet…I at times felt that I had little compared to what I thought I wanted. I had so many blessings that I could not count them…but did I remember to thank God for them?

I told Dad when it was time to come home to just trash my ticket…I was going to stay. Of course…that did not happen and with many tears I left…and began to plan for the next time I could come. This became a yearly tradition…to come to Trinidad each March/April for a mission trip. Dad was in charge of organizing it at the congregation we attended…and about in Set or Oct I would start asking when we were going to go…it was what I lived for those years. And each year….it got harder to say goodbye…I grew to love the people, the church and it was always hard to leave…I normally cried most of the way home. I dreamed of the day that I could stay forever…but I have still not figured that one out.

But then in 2009 we all came as a family…and we all shared that love for Trinidad and the work here. So we began to plan a move…and oh was I so excited! I tried to be patient….and I was…but at the same time…why did we have to wait so long to move? On Nov 8^th 2010 we stepped onto a plane with one way tickets…and I could not have been happier! We acquired the needed support and the needed visa and we were granted a stay of 3 years…which is half over…and I dread the time of going back to the US. Yes, I can’t wait to see family and friends that I have not seen in a long time….but I want to come back here if I can. God may have another plan…and I will be happy with that…but I would be very happy if it was more time in Trinidad.

But now you may ask…how did this change my life? Well that is a good question…and it deserves some time. When one steps out of their culture and into another one, they learn to appreciate things on a different level. I have put together a list of things that I hope will give you an idea of how it’s changed…for it’s a bit hard to really describe it properly

I have learned:

The value of Bible study…not just reading…but deep study

The value of being close to my family

To love times of worship and fellowship on such a deeper level

Getting to know about the food of a country is very important

Smiling makes an impact…one you may never comprehend

Flexibility is a must

I have way too many clothes and shoes

I am watched at all times

Taking time for people is not a waste of time

Listening….till another is done talking is vital

Without complete trust in God…you will get no where

72 degrees Fahrenheit is cold

Take time to look at the rainbows after a rain

I have faithful brethren all over the world that are fighting the same battles to get to heaven as I am

Sharing is a true joy

Mosquito nets are great!

It’s important to remember people’s names

These last 10 years have been some of my favorite times. Trinidad is in my blood and in my heart…I love it here. It has changed my life forever; I will never be the pre-Trinidad Emily again. It has been a good change…one that has brought me closer to God, closer to family and closer to my spiritual family. I have grown so much as a Christian…I have learned the importance of small things…I understand life on a different level than I used to. I by no means have all the answers…and I still have leaps and bounds to grow…that must never stop…but this time in Trinidad…both the week long trips over the last 10 years and the last 16 months have truly given me the boost and kick that I needed to be a better Christian.

If you ever have the chance to step outside your culture…and your country, do so. You will never regret it…and it might just change you in a good way…in the way you need for God.

I know the next 10 years will be just as great…no matter where I end up…here in Trinidad, back in the USA or somewhere else of which I know not. Wherever God takes me…that will be home.