Shared Joy

There is a popular proverb in Honduras, which reads, “La alegría compartida es una alegría doble; el dolor compartido es medio dolor.” Shared joy is double joy; shared grief is half grief. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he says “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” No matter what language we speak, we are called to live in relationship with each other and to share in one another’s joys and sorrows, victories and struggles.

Six years ago I began a journey that I thought would be over in just a few short weeks. As I prepared for a short term mission trip to Sri Lanka the summer after my freshman year of college, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I discovered was a small glimpse of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. I was blessed to meet and work with my brothers and sisters half way across the world and begin to understand just how big God is. It took me a long time to sort through everything I experienced in Sri Lanka, but I knew I needed to continue sharing the love of God in Christ. Now, three years after graduating from college, things are finally coming full circle.

In a few short months I will be embarking on a great adventure. I have been accepted in to the Young Adult Service Corps of the Episcopal Church as a Christian missionary. In late summer, I will be leaving San Diego for Honduras, where I will be teaching for one year. I am so excited for this opportunity to build relationships with the people I will be working with, strengthen connections within the Church, and continue to share the love of God in Christ.   But I can’t do it without your support!

The total cost for my year abroad is $20,000.  Thankfully, the Mission Personnel Office of the Episcopal Church will generously fund half of the year’s expenses.  I am responsible for raising the other $10,000, which is only $30 a day.  Please consider joining me in this amazing adventure as a prayer or financial supporter. 

As we share in this journey together, I pray that our joy is doubled!