Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find.

Since I got home from El Salvador, I have found myself slipping into a state of depression. I miss the country, the food, the culture, and most of all, my friends and family that I made while I was there. I have been praying a lot lately asking why God called me to come home, and why he was allowing me to feel this way if this was where He called me. His answer:
“Trust me.”
‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ - Jeremiah 29: 11-13

Not exactly the answer I was looking for.. But I prayed and sought after Him with everything I had, everyday, and guess what happened…

God answered both my questions in one day.

The reason God called me to go home is the same reason I was called to El Salvador. To reach out to people, to show them God’s unconditional love, and to tell them about what HE did in my life.

I was at youth on tuesday, and some kids in the grade 7 group I co-lead told me that they went to a party on the weekend.. So I poked into it a little more and asked them what they did there...
They were telling the other kids at the party about God. They were being a light in a dark place. They were telling their non-Christian friends what Kevin and I had taught them in our small group.
God has me here so I can make an impact on the people I interact with. So I can tell my story and encourage others to go out and do the same. I am so proud of these kids.

But that still doesn’t answer why I was so depressed.
But do you want to know something?
God knew I would feel like that. He created me to feel that way. He wasn’t going to take that feeling of depression away, but He wasn't going to leave me alone in my suffering either.

God blessed me with some incredible friends. Friends who are there for me every step of the way. Friends who always manage to make me smile and laugh and think about the positive side of things. Whether it is a simple hug, taking me out for lunch, or even listening to what I have to say. They are there for me and they care about me.

I was driving home from youth, wondering why so many of my friends have been randomly encouraging me, and just showing me how much they love me. At first I thought it might have been because I was gone for 6 months and maybe they missed me..? But I have been home for over a month, and it has just increased.
I realized as I was cruising through Port Dalhousie that this is God showing that He cares for me. Putting people in my life for me to lean on during my time of struggle. People to encourage me. To pick me up when I fall down.
I thank God everyday for the blessing of so many good friends who support and love me!
Thank you!!! I love you all!