But why?

It's been a BIG couple of weeks in my corner of the world. I haven't even had time to share about my recent Belize trip! Before we get to that, let's jump ahead a little, then go back some, then tackle the trip.

Last night I was able to speak and share about my journey. I shared how I got to the point of weighing almost 300 pounds then I shared some tips about how I have steadily lost 110 pounds and am still going. The presentation managed to start and end on the same note: Why do you want to get healthy?

There are countless reasons someone might choose to take on a healthier lifestyle. Me, personally, I had three reasons on June 1, 2013 when I made the choice and those three reasons remain the same today:

1. Serve the Lord
2. Honor God by caring for my body
3. Be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker and everything else

I'm not saying you can't have success for other reasons, but for me, these reasons will keep me going for a lot longer than one special event or even jean size. The truth is, if YOU don't want to make the effort to make the change, it's not going to stick.

I'm sure I've said it several times but joining the Belize mission team for the 2014 trip was a huge motivator for me to get started. However, that is only one way I continue to serve. I probably wouldn't have ever served in AWANA's if I was as miserable as I was 3 years ago. I wouldn't lead Purposefully Fit for obvious reasons. I wouldn't lead a lifegroup or serve coffee every Sunday. I would hide my face in the crowd and I hope I went unnoticed. 

What freedom I am finding!

Belize is really where it all started, well the preparation for it at least. How fun it was this year to be on my third year back to the same community with the same friends as well as many new ones. I appreciate and thank each one of you who prayed for our team while we were gone. While some of us had been several times and it feels like a second home, many had never been. And there are always the unknowns of travel, flights, illness or even group compatibility. One thing is for sure, God was and is in control and He works all things for His good.

And He did. And He will.

It was so fun to watch friendships form, on the team and between the two cultures. To watch kids experience the trip with a parent. To reconnect face to face with the Armstrong's and see Pastor Mark looking so strong. To experience Belizean culture (that reads: food, haha). To see the kids who have grown a foot since I saw them last and how much more some of them trust us after continually coming back. To paint a house, hang out with the kids at their school, run around with 110 kids at Vacation Bible School, and to be able to use what God had given us to bless others in the community. To bake cupcakes while getting some serious encouragement from a godly woman I admire. To worship the Lord. To listen to kids say over and over their favorite part of the week was studying the Bible. To tell people Jesus loves them.

It was tough to hear testimonies of pain. To watch a joyful young man receive devastating news. To attend a wake. To see needs that can't be met, at least not yet. To wonder if I'm doing enough, here or there. To wonder how many opportunities to share about Christ I miss daily. To wonder if the kids, moms, families, community and church know I really care and am praying for them. It's tough to come home and realize what a brat I am about some things.

Every time I come back from a week away, in a country I have grown to love,  my eyes are opened more and more to the wonders of our Amazing God. I'm always amazed at how God uses people here and there (and around the world) to build relationships that serve to bridge gaps of faith and encourage one another. We definitely all need each other.

If you want to know more I'd love to sit down and tell you all of the details. Coffee anyone?