THOUGHTS FROM MY FLIGHT HOME

Literally the only that has gotten me through the past couple of weeks (besides some hard core worship and prayer of course) was the ability to be servant hearted. Its so funny. I really talk myself out of [any] role of leadership yet God allows me to be in those positions pretty frequently.


It all started off with my roommate’s phone getting stole in France. In those moments of panic, the Holy Spirit led me and I was able to do my best to comfort her and take action by going to the police right away.


That was followed by sharing a phone. It was rough, and not because of the trivial things like losing time on social media. That was the last thing on our minds. Sharing a phone led to being left without any minutes or data. We had to rely on spotty free WiFi to get by (because our international service provider was no help) which definitely wasn’t a safe option. But knowing the peace it brought my roommate to be able to communicate with her family and take photos when all of hers were lost- that made all the frustrations amount to dust. 


Back in Prague, my classmates and I were all struggling to pack unexpectedly and secure flights back to America. Almost every single one of us had a flight canceled 24 hours before if not minutes before departure. 


When my flight to London was listed as canceled my brain didn’t go into shock but sought to get things resolved (and that alone was a blessing). Thankfully I happened to be at school and was able to instantly report the recent news, that affected me and many others, to my directors.


Being at the school meant that I was able to get guidance from my directors and use a phone to call the airline. I was able to take the initiative by not only securing my flight but getting others the proper information to rebook their flights as well. 


And there were other little things like being able to collect my friends projects from the school when they weren’t able to make the trip to get theirs, giving information on how to cancel our international phone plans, and giving advice to my classmates on how to get through the airports. All of those things allowed me regain a sense of control in a situation that none of us could control. But way more importantly it gave me the opportunity to be used by God in the midst of chaos. 


I don’t say any of this to brag. Trust me I was an absolute mess through every stage of this experience. But taking the focus off of myself to help others was an answer to the peace God knew I needed. 


It’s weird that I consider the past few months as my biggest life accomplishment so far. More than any school acclamation or the amazing job opportunities I’ve had, this study abroad experience has taught me more than I would ever thought was possible. And for that I am forever grateful. ❤️