Dear Mom and Dad,
The last time I saw you in person was exactly 165 days ago.
We said goodbye in a hotel in Atlanta, GA at World Race Launch.
I want you to know that I’m not the same person who left the United States six months ago.
That girl wouldn’t want you to know this, but she wasn’t sure what she was doing when she signed up for a christian gap year, yet it was the best decision she ever made.
That girl didn’t know that God would wreck her life for the better.
She didn’t know that she could be away from home for six months and not be homesick.
She didn’t realize that she was being launched into a missional lifestyle and not just going on a super long mission trip.
She just thought it was a good idea because she didn’t know what she wanted to go to college for.
She thought if anything it would be a good opportunity for her to travel.
She didn’t know that she would gain 23 people that are now family to her.
She didn’t realize that not only would she fall in love with Jesus in a whole new way, but she would fall in love with different cultures, different people, and doing things that make her uncomfortable.
That girl now has a hunger for Jesus that you’ve never seen in her.
Also, you probably won’t believe this, but she loves being on planes because it gives her an easy opportunity to talk to the person sitting beside her and she loves flying because it takes her to places where she can experience new things.
God has done so much in my life during these months.
I walk in truth now.
I’ve become a lot more bold and confident in speaking to people I don’t know.
I spend more time in my bible than I do on my phone.
I can’t wait to be able to sit down face-to-face and tell you about stories and experiences from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Guatemala.
I wanna tell you about the countries, the people, the food, everything.
I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve been doing for the last six months.
I’m so excited for you to do ministry with me and meet the people I’ve built relationships with here in Guatemala the last three months.
I can’t wait to show you just a tiny part of this beautiful country I love.
This is going to be an amazing few days and just a heads up you’re probably going to be uncomfortable at one point or another.
I hope while you’re here you see why I haven’t been homesick or why I don’t text you everyday.
There is so much to see and do and you don’t need your phone for it.
I hope that you being here you see why I’m so thankful you said yes to allowing me to go on this trip. Thank you for showing me support when you were probably scared and concerned with the decision I made in going on this trip.
Thank you for letting me experience the world at 19 years old.
I hope you see that this gap year is exactly what God wanted me to do this year.
In exactly 3 days you are flying to see me in Guatemala and I get to see you in person for the first time in 168 days.
It has been 4,032 hours since I’ve been able to give you both a hug.
You know I’m not the biggest fan of hugs, but I can’t wait to give you one when you get here.
I love you.
I can’t wait to see you.
T-minus 72 hours
Love, Sumer
Big sigh. You have and are expanding your worldview. You have and are developing cross-cultural awareness. These new perspectives are now a part of you. I am thrilled this experience is more than you ever expected.
?????? this is just beautiful
TENDER
this is so tender. your heart is huge and kindness pours out of you. BRO. tears. that’s all. just tears.
Oh my goodness this is so amazing! I bet a lot of things you said are true about Kyle… and probably others as well. We can’t wait to see you all!
… “More time in my Bible than on my phone” – That is a good WORD!
yup….. I’m crying
Summer….so touching. So glad your experience has been blessed with growth and the stretching of Jesus’ arms all around you. I hope you have a fun time with your parents in Guatemala and have a blessed remainder of your trip. Safe travels and please know you have prayer warriors on your side!
Sumer, reading this my heart is on fire!! You are reading the Bible more than looking at your phone and that you are walking in truth!!! Wow this gives me so much hope for the younger generation and your boldness encourages this oldie to do the same!! So proud of you and I love that you said you are not a hugger but now you are!!! Praise God!!! You go girl!!! Shine that light!!! Seek Him with all your heart!!!
Tears of joy for you, your mom and your dad!! That’s going to be one beautiful HUG!
Oh wow! So incredibly grateful for this amazing testimony. The real Jesus has made himself so very real and known to you. I pray you continue this deep relationship with the Father and that he continues to bless your life. “More time in the Bible than on my phone.” Love you Sumer!
Crying. This is so beautiful.
Incredible and so God-like what our Lord reveals of himself, his children, his world, and his ways when we are far away from our “normal.” You will never be the same in ways that escape words. You have been given a gift on which to build your unique life. Summer, I am eager to see how these months shape your future, and who you are. I was 18 when I left and 19 when I returned. And the rest is his-story. Prayers and thanksgiving??
Wow! So excited to hear all about your time with people from different cultures and beliefs and how you worked with them Sumer! I know you & your parents will be happy to see each other! And really look forward to coming home & sharing with others, ??
It is so amazing how God breaks, shapes, and transforms us when we surrender to him. We become “beautifully broken.” It is His glory that shines through those cracks. Shine on Sumer! May God use, bless, and keep you. Looks like you are right where you need to be…in the palm of His hand. Sending hugs from Jax. ??
Wonderfully said. We saw your parents at dinner last night in the hotel. See you REAL SOON!
so beautiful :,)
Can’t wait to see you. I love you.
Seeing this in a salon with an ugly cry confusing to some but beautiful to me. I didn’t think I could be any more excited than I already was to see you but once again you’ve surprised me. Thank you for sharing your excitement and love.
It means the world to us.