Posted by Joni
It’s always difficult that first week back in Liberia after
spending time at home. No matter how
much you know you are supposed to be here, that first week of transition is
hard. You know your surroundings, the
people and the projects, but that odd realization that nothing stops even
though you are away. That transition of
turning your “work brain” on, when your mind is still trying to figure out
which continent it is on can be tough.
Some transitions are better and smoother than others. This one, for me, was a bit tougher. I had spent an amazing time at home with
family and friends, and was ready to begin the new year with our team. I knew it was going to be a different
beginning to the year, after the sudden passing of our finance manager, David. My first day back in Liberia was David’s
memorial service held at our office. It
was a beautiful service with our staff, providing an opportunity to share about
what an amazing man he was, and provided the avenue we needed as a team to
mourn and process together.
Overwhelmed with jet lag, grieving a co-worker and friend, and
trying to play catch up on everything I purposefully ignored during my break
led to a small emotional breakdown for me.
I am so grateful for my friends both here and across the pond, who
encourage me, especially during those times.
It took me a few days, but I soon turned the corner mentally on wanting
to be back in Liberia. Of being ‘all in’
on everything taking place here. Because
if you allow yourself to ask the tough questions during that time, it is easy
to lead your mind down a path that is not helpful at all. Do they even need me here? Am I even useful?
Should I even be here? If you choose to
believe those questions are true because of transition and exhaustion, you will
be miserable for a long time- not only for yourself but for your team, and
paralyzes you. I am thankful that I was
able to turn that corner rather quickly.
To my surprise, and I am quite sure it is because of you
praying, I turned the corner mentally about running as well! I have never enjoyed running in particular,
and when I agreed to do the London Marathon to raise funds for SP Liberia
projects, it was more of a ‘if Kendell
does it, I will do it” type of attitude.
But in the last couple of weeks that has shifted significantly. Long runs do not haunt me for days
beforehand- in fact, I even look forward to them! Committing to the marathon doesn’t make me
run to the bathroom full of nerves, but brings a feeling of excitement
instead.
I have heard it said many times, how life on earth is like a
marathon. Each run I have teaches me
more about it. Some days are good- I
feel great and I want to go faster and faster!
Other days, I drag myself out there knowing I need to get my run in, but
also knowing my body is tired. Some days there is physical pain that makes me
question what did I do differently? How
do I treat it? But the difference now is, instead of trying to justify
quitting, I have mentally chosen to keep putting one foot in front of the
other, no matter what may cross my path- even during the lowest of lows, I will
keep on moving. Thank God for the
strength that He gives me to do that in life as well, no matter what may come
my way.
Boy am I glad for both of these attitude changes! As the picture says, it is a beautiful
transition when I know that I can do this.
Five hours of pain is nothing if it means providing thousands upon
thousands of people reliable health care and clean water, all in the name of
Jesus Christ.
I am excited to run a marathon (did I just write that!?) but
I am MORE excited about what will happen as a result. Will you be a part of my team? Please pray for us as we train- pray for no
injuries, and the strength to make it through no matter what may arise. And that is my prayer for you, as well.
If you are from the UK, my fundraising page
address is:
If you are from the US/Canada, my
fundraising page address is:
Kendell and I on our ten mile run this morning. It was hot-o!
Ten miles, done.
Nice work team!
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