My time in Greece has ended. The trip was the best experience of my life, and I already miss everything about it.
After serving the refugees and meeting some amazing people, I realized how big God was and how powerful His love is. All of us talked about how much God changed our hearts and made us realize that our plans for the trip were shut down because God had something else in mind. I learned to trust Him and to see beauty where I never thought it could be.
We were learning everything about the culture of people from Afghanistan and Iran. We got to see who these people were through this ministry. Putting faces to our information made it completely eye opening. I can say that I have such a new respect and appreciation for Afghan women after working at the ARC.
I made a strong bond with an Afghan girl named Tahereh. Her story of how she came from Afghanistan to Iran and then to Greece taught me so much about the life of a refugee, and how much they go through just to have freedom. They fight everyday for their life. They aren't treated like humans by the world, and they can feel like they don't have an identity. I was able to give Tahereh love and show her that she was a beautiful person who deserved so much more than she had been given.
I also spent a lot of time with a little girl named Nikita. She is adorable, and I loved being able to see her interact with everyone. Her Mother is a perfect example of how much God can transform a life. She was an Afghan woman who was fully covered all the time. She was shy and quiet. She never smiled, and she lived in fear. Then she met Jesus, and she turned into a new woman. Now she is lively, happy, and glowing. I never have seen her without a smile. Her hair is cut, and she never wears a head scarf. She lives a life for Christ and she is not afraid of who she is. She is finally free.
wow. I got chills reading this! What an unforgettable experience! I love the relationships that form on those trips. Your team, the organization you work with, the people you're serving - you remember their stories for the rest of your life. God uses such devastating and challenging situations to open your eyes and move you to better places!
ReplyDeleteAh! I am thinking about you and praying for you, especially through the coming home and processing stages!
I love you!
Alli!! This post made me so happy! We serve and awesome God, and I am so glad you were able to share it with others! I am glad God opened your eyes, mind, and heart to a different world! I can't wait to hear more about it when we see each other! I love you!!!!
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