Go & Seize the Moment

I have cherished the incredible memories I created with my dear friend Rosie. My visit lasted only one week. If you ever get the chance to embark on an adventure, don't hesitate.

We filled every minute with unforgettable moments. The purpose of my visit was beautiful. It all began with Rosie being an international student in our home 10 years ago. We knew one day we would be together again, that that day had come. Rosy and I had had built a deeply personal relationship when she was with us. We both embraced Jesus as the glue that held our complicated lives together. My long-awaited visit to her country of Honduras was going to be filled with moments to never forget. This is what this life is all about!

Embrace opportunities when you can for time waits for no one.

My purpose for this trip was to not only spend time with Rosie in real time in her space, but to meet the most important people in her life. Her grandma and grandpa raised her. The back drop of this story is big and filled with beautiful, bittersweet brokenness. It’s true that God is the only one who can mend our broken pieces. Rosie is living proof of this. What an honor for me to be able to meet her grandparents. We had a beautiful day together. Each moment is imprinted on my heart to never forget.

Another purpose for my visit was to bring Jesus! We had some amazing fun filled and powerful ladies night out events! We gathered talked about what it means to be “holy” as a Kingdom Woman, wife and mother. I also brought a leadership training to some of the women leaders. I met truly amazing women. We are no longer strangers. I feel like we’ve known one another for a lifetime. This is how the love of Christ in the hearts of others work.

What I didn't mention was that on the fifth day, I started feeling unwell. It escalated to being bedridden with a high fever, the worst headache I've ever experienced, body aches that left me in too much pain. All of my symptoms came on very quickly which was surreal and brought back vivid memories of Covid19 event when I was isolated away from the world where I almost died. Here I was in another country isolated and very sick. Just me and my Jesus again. It’s not the worst place to be, but challenging for sure. For six days, I focused on staying hydrated and resting. It wasn’t for sissies, that is for certain. It was a steady 104 degrees outside while I registered a 102 temperature for days. The struggle was very real. It was tough, no doubt. Yet, I would do it all over again for those initial wonderful days spent with Rosie and I have learned that where I go, the Lord is near.

We can's predict what each day will bring, but knowing who provides our days allows us to find peace and stillness. Was it Covid? It is possible it was. Was it Dengue? Turns out it was that for sure.

There are blessings in hard places, every single time! If we are looking for them, we will be able to find joy in our jungle of struggles.

I was grateful for Rosie’s wonderful doctor friend, Christina, who helped me through those days. She has become a dear friend of mine.

There was a bonus blessing for me. It was the rainy season in Honduras, and if you know me, you know I love to dive into bed during thunderstorms. I enjoy lying back and being still amidst a storm. Every day, without fail, multiple big thunderstorms would roll through. I relished every moment. I remember smiling at the first sound of thunder. The storms there are wild and magnificent. I was grateful for them.

I was thankful for having access to the essentials I needed to fight my battle. Turns out that lemon, water and LOTS of salt to form a pudding like goo helps to rid the body of ugly stuff. Despite the chaos and pain, I felt peace and contentment. We had to postpone my flight home as I couldn't travel. My husband arranged for an additional four days for recovery. I began praying for strength. I would step out of my air-conditioned room into the 104-degree heat and walk up and down the street to regain strength. It was challenging, but the breathtaking view was the perfect distraction I needed to persevere. Sometimes Rosie’s mom would join me with little 2-year-old Ian. He would hold my hand as we walked. He was a blessing, bringing immense joy in this unforeseen journey I was on.

Congestion and ear pain aren't ideal for flying, but it was time to return home. I resolved to manage it, and I did. I prayed fervently for relief in my ears. And... No pain! Thank you, Jesus. Though it felt like popcorn popping in each ear, I smiled and rested. Bonus number 2. My wonderful husband upgraded my flights to first class for better rest. He is the best thing that ever happened to me in so many ways! I love him deeply.

I love to count my blessings in hard places.

I returned home, weak and ready for another long recovery. Even so, everything unfolded as it should. Grateful and blessed. I look forward to going back to be with my sweet friend Rosie one day again. God will provide as He always does if it is meant to be.

Don’t wait for the ‘right’ time to go… Go!