Oh how I will miss you

Just thinking about all God has done here in Porto and within my heart makes me want to fall on my knees and give Him praise. 

Today is my last full day in beautiful Portugal and it's truly hitting me like a  ton of bricks how much I will miss it. 

The Father has introduced me to friends here that have forever left an imprint on my heart and life; I will never,ever forget those I have met here.I have seen sights that I never imagined my eyes would have to privilege of beholding. 

My first  week in Portugal, I remember struggling to sleep at night due to the rustle and bustle of the street, the sound of  dogs barking, and seagull squawks. However, now I cry thinking about not hearing these.

I will miss older women walking down the street wearing aprons, smiling and telling me "Bom dia!" 

I will miss  intricate blue and white tile on every other building displaying the beautiful history. 

I will miss running to catch the bus or metro and them being my means of transport. 

I will miss not understanding the Portuguese  preaching in church, yet completely feeling 

the Holy Spirit's presence. 

I will miss singing at bus stops with Hannah. 

I will miss Guarana (my new favorite Brazilian carbonated drink) 

I will miss the cobble stone roads and sidewalks. 

I will miss going to Abigail's every Friday. 

I will miss my neighbor calling her cat to come in the house at all hours. 

I will miss sweet  kisses on each cheek used to greet each other. 

I will miss living in the apartment with Hannah. 

I will miss the coffee. 

I will miss my Portuguese church family. 

I will miss worship sung in Portuguese.

I will miss day  trips with the Milam family and being around them. 

I will miss opening a window instead of flicking on the a.c for a breeze. 

I will miss the river front and all it's glory. 

I will miss cooking for me and Hannah. 

I will miss precious little cafes on every corner. 

and so much more...

I will miss everything about Porto, Portugal!! 

My life is forever changed because the Savior placed me here for a semester. 

I do hope to come back again one day. One major lesson the Lord has taught me here in Porto, is that missions does not begin and end here( in a another country) No, missions is right outside your door. 

We are ALL called and everyone plays a significant role in making His name famous among the Nations. If you have a pulse, then you called to make known His love; you are called to be a missionary. My prayer is that I remember what I have learned here when I return to the U.S. I pray that I intentionally recklessly abandon myself and pick up the cross and follow Jesus in Alabama and anywhere else the Savior may place me. It's not a sacrifice to die to self, but a rather a  privilege.  

"All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD,and all the families of the nations shall worship before you." Psalm 22:27