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Reflection

The Domino Effect:

The cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events.

Imagine you decide to climb Mount Everest.For months, you train. You book a flight. You buy supplies. You clear your schedule.

You reach the summit.

Your impromptu decision influenced ensuing action. Just. Like. Dominos.

I decided to take a Gap Year.

Domino falls.

I find Adventures in Missions.

Domino falls.

I choose the route traveling to Southeast Asia.

Domino. Domino. Domino.

For the past three months, the theoretical “dominoes” have been knocking into each other, methodically falling over, and over again.

And now, it’s come to a halt. 

There are no more dominos.

There are not enough words in the English, or Thai, or Khmer, language to properly reflect on the past three months.

I’ve picked coffee beans on a mountain’s peak. And played with squirmy piglets. I’ve “mastered” Muay Thai. And eaten every meal criss-cross- applesauce. I’ve harvested rice. And learned to play volleyball. I’ve acquired an obsession for sticky rice. And chased waterfalls. I’ve shared a meal with random security guards. And drank a stupid amount of coffee.

I’ve made everlasting friendships with women in bars. And girls in prevention homes. And children at an orphanage.I’ve cried until I could feel my heart physically break inside of me. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve peed. I’ve stood back and watched the Lord chisel me into the woman I’m called to be.

?I’ve spent three months in Southeast Asia.

Tomorrow, for the first time in three months, I will get to hug my mom and dad and sister. I will get to kiss my fur babies. And I will get to sleep in my own bed.

But, in doing so, I have to say goodbye to my new family…

To the nine women who’ve poured into me, empowered me, and loved me relentlessly.

To Meredith’s laugh and Margaret’s dry humor. To Victoria’s “prom dance” and A’ndrea’s Grinch references. To Savannah’s yodeling and Argentina’s “marple” leaves. To Danielle’s Muay Thai, Payton’s “how dare you”, and Courtney’s insane stories.

Three months living side by side has been frustrating. But… it’s been rewarding, encouraging, and life-giving.

I am sure gonna miss these crazy Charstons.

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