How can my heart be so many places at once? I feel like I have a piece of my heart in so many places, all at the same time. How is that possible? Here's an attempt to explain where my heart is at these days.
In Waterloo: I am now into my 7th month of living in Waterloo, Ontario. And for the most part, it has become a place where I am very comfortable, and at "home". I've made good friends, both at school and at church, and live with a wonderful family. School consumes most of my time - but that is okay. I enjoy the challenge that it presents, and enjoy what I am learning about. Sure, I've had bad days, and days of doubt, but most of the time, I enjoy being here. I feel a peace in my heart knowing that this is what I am supposed to be doing, and am excited for the opportunities that the future holds for me.
In Regina: I miss this place SO much! I don't think I knew how much I would miss Regina when I left. There are so many days when I just wish that I could be at home. My heart is still there in such a big way, and although I am living in Waterloo right now, I still consider Regina to be my home. I miss things like the church, playing hockey, being able to drive around, seeing familiar places. But mostly, I just miss the people, and the relationships that I share with them. There are so many amazing people in my life that I have come to appreciate so much more being away from home. To an outsider, Regina might not be that spectacular of a city, but to me, it is pretty great, simply because of all the amazing family and friends that I have there.
In Estonia: In recent days and months, I have found my thoughts drifting back to my time in Estonia more and more frequently. So many fond, fond memories of times shared with precious people. What an amazing country with such beautiful people! This place definitely holds a piece of my heart, and I would love to be able to return there some day.
In Zambia: I don't know if I have ever been (or ever will be) somewhere that drew me in as strongly as Zambia did in 2003, partly because it was my first experience overseas, but also simply because of what I witnessed and was a part of there. I witnessed extreme poverty, and the devastating impact of AIDS, but yet I also saw some of the most joyful, giving, caring, faithful people that I have ever met. They are beautiful people, on the inside and the outside. Life is simple over there - and I like it like that. Of course, I came back with so many questions, struggles, and a desire to help out in whatever way I can. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to go back there this summer. I am looking forward to serving, sharing, loving, laughing, living, and learning there, all the while dreaming about how I might be used in a similar place in the future.
Finally, my heart is in the past, treasuring special memories, laughs shared, places travelled, people loved. My heart is in the present, focusing on the task ahead of me, and doing my best to achieve what I have set out to do. And, my heart is in the future, looking forward to the road ahead. There are good things to come.
Thanks for listening.
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2 comments:
I love your thoughts Jilly. Thank you for sharing them with us. It is amazing how many places our hearts can be. I suppose that just reinforces what a rich, blessed life you have lived with a variety of wonderful experiences and people. Often we don't realize the full value of our blessings until we don't have them or we are without them for a time. You have helped me to remember to count the blessings of each day and each opportunity and each person who comes into my life. You are definitely on my blessing list. May God continue to hold you close while you are away from us.
Love, mom
i miss the people in regina too.
so many good ones!! we are both pretty blessed to get to know and hang out with a lot of them. hope all is well out east. take care
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