Big loaded question there, but the most frequently asked! While I know you don't have hours to delve into an essay long of deep moments and lessons solidified on my trip (as I also don't have time to write), here is a quick, short and sweet list: (in no particular order):
1) The past is a story we tell ourselves.
2) A kindness to yourself is a kindness to others.
3) You choose what matters to you.
4) Never underestimate the power of an encouraging compliment that is genuine.
5) I am a sinner saved by grace and my identity lies in Christ alone.
6) It is okay to feel deeply and to let it out.
7) Blame and negativity towards someone or something only crowds out the possibility for change.
8) Live moments, not consequences.
9) Come as you are.
10) Empathy and humanity is exercised; and is the best muscle we have.
11) Kubaho n'ukubana = to live is to be with others; Turiumbwe = we are together
12) Doing for come from being with.
13) What enriches you may rob or violate others.
14) Be ever humbled because Jesus can deal gently with the wayward and ignorant, since he himself is beset with weakness.
15) 2 Corinthians 5:14-15- For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
I have been so blessed with this opportunity and chance to discover more of what it means to be human and know that these lessons are but the initial tip of the iceberg (I actually made this list about 3 weeks after coming home and was starting to meet up with people; it was compiled from reading and skimming through my journal when I was there). Even up to now, some of these lessons have evolved and new ones are forming, but nonetheless I am still breathing it all in.
1) The past is a story we tell ourselves.
2) A kindness to yourself is a kindness to others.
3) You choose what matters to you.
4) Never underestimate the power of an encouraging compliment that is genuine.
5) I am a sinner saved by grace and my identity lies in Christ alone.
6) It is okay to feel deeply and to let it out.
7) Blame and negativity towards someone or something only crowds out the possibility for change.
8) Live moments, not consequences.
9) Come as you are.
10) Empathy and humanity is exercised; and is the best muscle we have.
11) Kubaho n'ukubana = to live is to be with others; Turiumbwe = we are together
12) Doing for come from being with.
13) What enriches you may rob or violate others.
14) Be ever humbled because Jesus can deal gently with the wayward and ignorant, since he himself is beset with weakness.
15) 2 Corinthians 5:14-15- For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
I have been so blessed with this opportunity and chance to discover more of what it means to be human and know that these lessons are but the initial tip of the iceberg (I actually made this list about 3 weeks after coming home and was starting to meet up with people; it was compiled from reading and skimming through my journal when I was there). Even up to now, some of these lessons have evolved and new ones are forming, but nonetheless I am still breathing it all in.