It’s been a while since my last post, but I felt like now was the right time to share what God has been doing in my life. This season has been one of the hardest, but also one of the most meaningful times I’ve walked through so far.

My first week back in Mexico was honestly really tough. I wasn’t in a good place mentally or emotionally. A few of you know that not too long ago I struggled with anxiety and mental health, and before I left for the first semester, one of the biggest things I asked for prayer about was that I wouldn’t fall back into that place. For a while, it felt like God answered that prayer. But toward the end of the first three months, things slowly started to get harder. And drew me back into a place of fear.

Some days it felt impossible just to leave my room. Talking to people took so much energy, and I started pulling back without even realizing it. I removed myself from group activities and never wanted to go into town. Being in God’s Word felt heavy instead of life-giving, and that scared me. There were moments when I wondered if I even wanted to be here. Which turned out I didn't but God had a plan in store for me that I didn't know about yet.

When I went home, being around friends and family helped. I felt lighter. But the thought of coming back to missions filled me with fear. I didn’t want to return and feel the same way again. I was scared that I would come back and hate it.

But coming back this semester has been different in ways I didn’t expect. Slowly, God has been rebuilding things in my heart. I feel like I’ve already gained more from this season than I did the entire first semester. For the first time in a long time, I’m starting to feel confident in who I am. Not because I have everything figured out, but because I finally found my identity in christ.

Being in God’s Word feels easier now. Not forced, not heavy, but natural. I feel less pressure to be someone I’m not, and more freedom to just be myself. I’m learning not to live in shame, and to believe that God really can work through me, even in my weakness.

This season hasn’t been perfect, and I know there will still be hard days. But I can clearly see that God hasn’t left me. He’s been patient, gentle, and faithful through it all. Thank you for all the support I have received through this season in life. Your prayers mean everything to me!!