Hi everyone
So I know I have been writing my posts about all the good things that have been happening on this mission trip but I thought I’d give y’all an insight on the struggles that I have been experiencing as well.
Being away from my family has proven to be very difficult for me. Time at training camp was definitely the lowest I’ve felt emotionally in a long time. I would often find myself crying when no one was around and my spirit was really broken. I even completely broke down while I was in a porta potty. Not my finest moment, yes I know. I was really longing to just give my family and my boyfriend a massive hug, and knowing that I wouldn’t be seeing them for a long time really took a toll on me. Our phone time was very limited. We only had our phones in the mornings and at night so not being in constant contact with anyone was really hard.
But during these difficult times and these struggles, God allowed me to grow. He allowed me to grow in Him and with Him. He showed me that He’s the only thing that I can hold onto. When I have no one else I still have Him. And he’s more than enough for me. He will never fail me. Even though I miss my family so much I know I’m not alone. I know that God is always with me. I was also feeling really guilty about missing my family. Feeling like I wasn’t enough and that I should be ashamed by missing my family. But while I was struggling with these thoughts my leader she told me that God doesn’t want me to feel ashamed for missing my family. That shame isn’t from the Lord and that we don’t serve a god of shame. The idea of shame is from the enemy. She helped me and worked with me during this hard time. I now am actually glad I miss my family because that means that I love them so much. I’m happy to have a family that I miss. God has truly blessed me with an incredible family.
Not having the time to scroll on social media has has truly impacted my mental health for the better. I really struggle with my self esteem and have trouble finding confidence in myself a lot. However, while being here I really haven’t felt like I have been comparing myself to others. I haven’t complained about my body or my appearance at all. So instead of being filled with mindless scrolling I’m being filled with Gods word and His love every single day. This has truly helped me mentally and spiritually. I feel like a little girl again, not caring about how I look and loving my body for how God made me. No matter what I look like I’m God’s masterpiece and He loves me no matter what.
So yeah even though I’ve been struggling with being stripped away from everyone and everything I know, I know that this will have an eternal impact in Gods kingdom.
So proud of you!!! You are doing tough things. I can see the joy you have by your obedience to the Lord. Love you and praying for you!! ❤️ xoxo
Alyssa! Your heart is just precious and I could not be any prouder of you!!!! You are changing the world, one day at a time!!!! Love you so much!!!!
Beyond proud of you and your obedience to the Lord !
So proud to be called pop pop and nana ! His presence is always with you ! Our prayers are lifting you every second of each day babe !
We love you 😘
I am so proud of you! I can see God strengthening your faith! I am praying for you, your team, and your family!
Love you!
So Awesome! We all need to stop filling our minds and hearts with empty things. God wants us all busy building the kingdom. Love you so much.
So incredibly proud of you! In your broken-ness he brings you strength. So proud of you for leaning on him. We love you girly!
My first time away from family ( this was way before cell phones, lol) was in 1991 when I went through basic training for the Air Force! I was 19 years old and the emotions where overwhelming most of the time. We were able to receive mail and we all looked forward to that and I still have those letters to look back on. I was not in a relationship with Jesus at that time which made things so much harder. You are analyzing young woman and Jesus is all you need to pull you through. Lean on Him and know you got this. So many people are praying for you daily and we see Jesus through you, soak up the experience and focus on the work you are doing. You are so blessed to be getting to do this and years from now you will be so glad you did! Be safe and know you are in my prayers daily!
You are a beautiful lady, body and soul! Keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus ….from this week’s study Philippians 4:7! We love you, Teri and John
Alyssa you have nothing to feel horrible for. You are an amazing, beautiful, driven young lady and this will prove to you how amazing you really are. In the eyes of the lord we are loved. I love you miss you and your beautiful voice. 🥰❤️
I know your journey there will help so many. And your relationship with God will grow. Again, you are one incredible young lady, I admire you. I hope others your age and younger will listen to what you are saying about phone life and all the emptiness that comes from it. Be safe. Keep posting. Enjoy your snacks.
this is so sweet! love and miss you so much!!
Go forth!
Alyssa as this journey continues I can’t wait to see and read your blogs and see the pictures. While I have never been quite so far from my family I do understand missing those you love. The love of the Lord radiates through you and the courage you have to take part in doing the Lords work to others who may not ever hear had you and your team not have listened to the calling is something amazing. I will continue to pray for you, your family and the team as GOD leads you all.
Alyssa,
I love you and miss you so much! You are absolutely beautiful and wonderfully made. Never forget that. I think most people are the their own hardest critics. I know I am on myself. I have Nutcracker Auditions today and I’m just hoping I do good. Keep shining and smiling and just being you! You are amazing!
Have a wonderful day
Love you
Sandy
My prayers are with you. 🙏. I pray for God to protect you and cover you with his grace.
You are such an inspiration! I admire your deep commitment to the Lord and to those you will be serving. This will all be a challenge but….Through Christ all things are possible. The example you set for these young girls will be something they remember for a lifetime. Your testimony and dedication will be with them always. We pray for you as well as those you are with and witnessing to. Our prayers will continue!
Alyssa,
Sandi from your old neighborhood. Watching you grow from a young girl to a teenager has been a fantastic transformation. You and your sissy are so beautiful inside and out. The good Lord is listening and I see it. Keep being you, I have always admired you and proud to see you grow! Be you sweety, with love and prayers…🙏🏼🩷🙏🏼🩵🙏🏼💜
I love you and the awareness you have is amazing. I love seeing your confidence grow in yourself and the Lord!
I just loved reading this!!! Such great thoughts and words! Thank you for being open with us, with even the not so great times! We are excited to continue hearing about your journey! Love you!
So very proud so you!
Can already see growth in the Lord with your words and thoughts ! We love you so and praying for you and the team !
Watching The Lord work in you is awesome to watch. It’s only been 2 weeks and I can already see your growth. Love you!
Prayers for you beautiful girl. Miss seeing your smiling face every week but so proud of you. ❤️
Alyssa, you are forever in our hearts❣️ You are doing things that most of us would probably not do, and that is because you are driven to share Jesus Christ with those who don’t know Him. Leaving everything for months takes a strong, strong person, and bless you for making that commitment.
You are the most beautiful person ever inside and out ❤️
So so proud of you!! I am praying for you and your group every day. The light of the Lord truly shines through you, Alyssa!! <3
Thank you for sharing the good and the bad and everything in between. Never forget that you were created in His image and that makes you as perfect as you can be. You’re beautiful inside and out!! Love you!