Lilly

After deciding to go to Nicaragua there were many ways I felt God reassuring me. One of the biggest ways was through my friend, Lilly. I first met Lilly in the summer of 2008 in Nicaragua. She was interning for the summer; I was there on a week long trip with my youth group. Lilly made an impression on me. I really enjoyed working with her and getting to know her that week.

A few weeks later when I started looking into the club process at Harding, I ran into Lilly! So while other people were meeting lots of people in her club, Chi Kappa Rho, I was just talking to her. Not exactly the point of a meet and greet. I ended up joining Chi Kappa Rho, XKP, and I am so thankful because the club has been a blessing in so many ways.  

The club provided many opportunities to serve and have fun with all the girls. There were even ways for us to help Mision Para Cristo- which was special for those of us who had been there. After graduation, I still kept in touch with Lilly and even got to visit her home.

A few weeks after I decided to go to Nicaragua, I got a call from Lilly. The call went something like this…

Lilly: “Do you want to be my roommate in Nicaragua?”
Colette: “Excuse me?!”
Lilly: “Yeah. I’m moving there in January and heard you were, too!”
Colette: **laughing** “Oh my goodness! YES!”

How awesome is our God?! He’s given me a friend and partner to share this journey with! Lilly has a huge place in her heart for Nicaragua, and you can read about her decision HERE. A link to her blog will be on the side of mine. We’ll both be posting through the year (two for her) and will have different focuses in our work. Please continue to keep her in your prayers as well. Elizabeth (Lilly) Garza. 

XKP had it's 10 year reunion in October.
As soon as I found Lilly, I cried.
*But that shouldn't surprise anyone*

November Moments

November 2013

First. Thank you so much to all family and friends who have read, commented, smiled and encouraged me through this decision! It means more than I can verbalize.

Second. Before I update you on the last couple weeks, I want to tell you about the excitement and emotions of November! November is when the trip/move/internship became real and felt “soon.”

Thanks to skymiles, I got to spend a weekend in Austin, Texas with Meagan, Kelly and Hanna! Oh my goodness. I knew how much I wanted to see them. I had no idea how much I needed to see them. We were able to process loosing Nelson, catch up on the other babies, hear about each other’s lives (more than texts and emails), challenge one another, and just laugh! We played lots of Hand and Foot while laughing until our stomachs hurt. Meag was also very helpful in giving me her wisdom about packing and leaving. She’s kind of experienced ;)

These girls are 3 of the best.
The 4th was our lovely KamJam. We missed her lots!

After Austin was Thanksgiving. Mom and I worked the first part of the week, so it was a quick trip. But the time together was wonderful. More games and laughter. The Auburn/Alabama game was a little bit of a heartbreaker but still didn’t ruin the trip. After so much quality time with extended and immediate family it reminded me of how much I’ll be missing them next year. That was the first big realization.

 We also studied Matthew 10 that Sunday in Bible Class. Verses 37-39 wreck my heart… “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

I love my family. And I love my life in Georgia. But God didn’t put us here to be comfortable and love the people who love us. He has given us a charge to spread the Good News of his Son to everyone we can. Reading these verses reminds me of why I am going and what I am “giving up.” I really am thrilled for this opportunity to teach and learn. However, I do not want to sit and talk about what I will be missing. There were lots of tears this day. Thankfully there were also friends to help me smile and dry my face.

A few days later, I purchased the plane ticket! AH! I typed all my information in then had to call Mom and Bridge in the room with me. I said, “I just needed someone here when I clicked ‘Buy.’” They understood and celebrated the moment.

So. Not that there was any question, but I am “officially” going! January 19^th!