Thank You
I apologize for the very late thank-you letter. This last semester has been a roller coaster as I finished up at one university and prepared to transfer to another. It has been a busy and exciting season, but I could never forget the opportunity I had through Lakewood to return to Croatia and see my wonderful friends again.
One of the highlights of the trip was hosting a line-dancing night. More than 60 university students came to dance, eat pizza, and spend time in community together. Mission trips always make me a little nervous because I never know how things will go or whether I will have meaningful conversations. Even though I had been to Croatia before, I spent most of the plane ride feeling anxious. However, throughout the week, God gave me so much energy and brought the sweetest students into my path. I was able to have conversations that encouraged me and reminded me why I love missions.
I didn't realize how much I had grown until I found myself back at the universities in Zagreb, talking with students and remembering all the mornings when we would leave the house with very little confidence and return with the excitement that comes from having meaningful conversations about life and faith.
I am so grateful to all of you for partnering with me. This trip would not have happened without your support, prayers, and encouragement, along with God's constant reassurance and provision. Every mission trip changes me in some way, and this one was no different. God continues to shape my heart and deepen my understanding of Him.
One of the most encouraging parts of the trip was seeing how God has been working in the lives of my friends over the past year. I watched some of them go from barely attending church to helping lead the Lakewood team during our public evangelism events. Seeing their growth and boldness in faith was inspiring.
Croatia will always feel like a second home to me, whether I return next year or ten years from now. The people there have made a lasting impression on my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships and memories God has given me. He continues to take me to places I never could have imagined and allows me to be part of what He is doing around the world.
Thank you, thank you so much for investing in me and making this trip possible. Your generosity, prayers, and support have made an eternal impact, and I am deeply grateful.
Life Update:
I am now living in Tallahassee Florida and will be attending Florida State University in the Fall. I will be majoring in Internatinal Affairs with a focus in Intelligance. I hope to work with the government in doing humanitarian work were I focus my work and studies on human rights. Living abroad and going on mission trips has really shaped my heart and put a burden(that I am very grateful to have) on looking after and being the voice of my brothers and sisters. I am very prevleged and spoiled to have the opportunity to continue my education passed what girls my age would be be able to and now I have the oppertunity to use my education to help bring more education for my sisters. Sometimes I don't like to admit it but I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't give open and soften my heart towards God. I am still in awe on how far he has brought me and even now when I doubt him it nothing more than silly worrying as I have so many examples of mericles that could not have happen without him. there's isn't a word in my vocabulary on how grateful I am for having a father who will make the greatest sacrifice of all for my sake.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
-Jeremiah 29:11
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