It Takes a Village

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

-An African Proverb (via Frankie Zamudio)

This past week I've felt very overwhelmed, but even more so now that I’m sitting outside my flight's gate. To be completely honest, I haven't been able to stop crying.

I can’t stop asking myself:

"What have I done to deserve all of this? All the love and support I've been shown?"

I started wanting to raise $1000 in preparation for my trip to India, and from the hearts of others I raised FIVE TIMES MORE than my initial goal. Praise God! Last Sunday, my minister Dan said God reveals Himself to us in three ways: through His word, His works, and through people. I have never believed these words to be more true than now.

I suppose I never put much thought into the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child", but these words have new meaning for me. NOTHING, absolutely nothing, in this life that is worth living can be achieved on one's own.

Which is why I'd like to thank my village.

To my God,

Thank you for loving me. Thank you for placing all the loved ones I have into my life. Thank you for giving me a vision that I am passionate enough to pursue even if others don't understand or agree with it. Thank you for your continuous grace and mercy.

To my friends and family,

Many of you who donated, reached out, and inquired have seen me grow up, and others have been my colleagues and closest friends. Thank you for believing in a crazy girl with a crazy dream. You have seen me at best and worst, but your support is unwavering despite how time and distance may separate us. I am beyond grateful for the joys you have brought into my life, and the many more you continue to bring.

To my church,

You give me courage to follow Christ. I feel like I'm still new at Pitman, but it didn't take long to feel like I belong. Thank you for believing in a vision I know to be from God, and thank you for never delegitimizing it. Without your financial and spiritual support, I quite literally would not be embarking to India right now. I promise to show courage in the face of evil. I promise to be safe, but to also be bold and daring in order to take risks as Christ did. I promise to show my most genuine self, and to show the love of Christ to the best of my ability. I know many of you are praying for the safely of the team and myself. Thank you for your unfaltering faith in this moment.

To the West Atco Youth Center in Action,

You are my home away from home. It’s easy for me to leave my actual home, but I can’t seem to leave you without crying. I wish I could have expressed more eloquently how much you all mean to me last Tuesday, but the love demonstrated at the going away party left me practically speechless. To the dojo kids, you inspire me. You make me want to be a better black belt, a better leader, and a better friend. I loved the hugs you gave me, and I look forward to receiving more upon my return. To Master Yates and Mister Smalls, thank you for pushing me. Thank you for teaching me how to be strong even when I feel week, and for setting the bar at a standard I hope to one day achieve. To Sensei and Mrs. Leza, I forget at what point I realized you two would change my life, but I never imagined you would change my life like this. The love I have for you two is identical to the love I have for my mother and father. I owe such a large part of who I am to you, and I hope that I’ve made you proud.

To Mom and Dad,

Thank you for your sacrifice. I would not be where I am today without you putting me first in your lives. I know my aspirations scare you at times, but you continue to see me off in order to accomplish what my heart drives me to do. I hope you won’t worry too much while I’m away. Please know I’m thinking of you, and I love you. I’m am so happy we have been able to grow in this life together.

With Bare Love,

Andreana