How My Awakening Journey Began Part. 2

Welcome to part two of my spiritual awakening story! We left off discussing signs, angel numbers and numerology. Today I will talk more about my journey to El Salvador and how it has led me here today.

Like I said in part one, rather than moving home after I dropped out, I lined up a summer job and kept my year lease in London. I worked full-time at a golf course in Vineland. One of my longest and best friends worked there as well in another department. She mentioned to me that she really wanted to take a mission's trip and floated the idea around we should go together. I too, loved the idea and wanted to make this happen but I had my reservations, plus there was so much to look into. What kind of work did we want to do? Where did we want to go? What organization should we go through? How much will this cost and how we will find the funds? Lucky for me, I had another friend near and dear to my heart, Rhonda, with a passion for building homes in El Salvador. I reached out to get more information and the passion radiated from her stories.

It was August 22nd 2019, I was in London enjoying the last of my lease before clearing out for the new residents who would be moving in when I got a call from Rhonda. She told me a spot had cleared up on their upcoming trip to El Salvador and asked if I would be interested in joining. I had no reason to say no and something was telling me to say yes, and so I did. We met two days later to discuss more trip details and that's when it hit me. I had to come up with $3600 in 8 weeks. Stress, panic and feelings of overwhelm came over me, what did I just get myself into? How was I going to get this done? Rhonda assured me I could do it and told me stories of others in positions like myself who found a way. She said "if you're meant to go, the money comes" -the money comes is right.

Fundraising has never been my strong suit, although it is now. I have problems asking people for money or taking money from others but I put my mind to it and tried everything I could. People responded really well and were so happy to support this new journey of mine. I actually raised over the amount I needed which abled me to buy toys and food for children in need. This was yet another sign I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

I won't get too deep into my experiences on this trip, I will save it for another time and just fill you in on one journey at a time. Growing up I was always in Catholic school but I had next to no relationship with God. The idea was all fooey to me and I thought people were just delusional. I heard so many inspiring stories over the years of people losing faith and asking God for some sort of a sign He's really there and they were successful and faith was restored. Nothing like that ever happened to me which pushed me further away from faith and spirituality. Our trip was executed through Bethany Community Church and Shelter Canada. I had attended Bethany a few times and immediately noticed a positive difference between Catholic and Christian churches. It was more relatable, informal and helped to understand the Bible messages more. I was nervous going with this group of chuch-goers and believers but I opened myself up to their beliefs and traditions.

I can say with 100% certainty I don't agree with everything in the Bible or the ways people use it to push their discriminating and hateful beliefs onto others. I can't say I fully believe in the God they are talking about and I can't say I pray to Him. But I know that on this trip I experienced one of those inspiring stories, one of those moments where you really feel the presence of someone beyond yourself, beyond anyone else. There is a lot that goes into these trips and many people involved to make these homes. Things can't function or exist without all the key factors involved yet somehow, someway it all gets taken care of day in and day out. You hear from the families personally the trials and tribulations they've faced and there has always been at least one constant for them, their faith in God. That shit honestly changes you. You think you're going to do a good thing for others, and while you are, you are just one very small piece in a 1000 piece puzzle.

I came home completely changed by my experiences. My views, my values, my purpose all completely pivoted. I felt as if I was at ground zero again. I came back on a high but it quickly crumbled and I felt very sad and lost. By this time I was working for Rhonda and her husband, Jeff at their Pet Valu store and while I loved working with them and completeing my responsibilites, I couldn't curb the reoccuring thoughts that came to mind saying I am made for so much more than this. There were so many amazing things I could be doing with my time to help people in incredible ways. My love for my current job quickly fizzled out and I started resenting spending my time there. I had big dreams and visions for where I wanted to take my life, I knew for sure I eventually wanted to stay in El Salvador for longer periods of time. I knew I needed to work from pupose and passion. I knew I didn't want to work for someone for the rest of my life living for my weekends and days off, scared to book off any time. I was done with that world, idea and societal approval.

I had opportunities start presenting themselves to me that aligned with my new purpose and values. I started attracting things I desired rather than chasing them. A part of me succombed to a higher power and it helped to guide me. I created a non-profit organization called ShopStine as a way to fundraise for my future trips. I started gaining more of a social media presence for positivity. I started another business that helped give me my time freedom and soon financial freedom so I could continue to go forth with my calling to help others. In high school I was the recipient of the Female Rotary Medal valuing service above self, if only I tuned into that sooner.

Basically, what I am trying to get to is that there is someone beyond us. Helping us and guiding us all the time. The more I've come to accept that, the more I see gifts and beauty all around me. I know for sure I believe in the universe. I believe in spirit guides and angels. I ask for signs and I get answers. I know I am not alone and that I am exactly where I need to be right now. During 2020 when the pandemic hit I left my job to pursue myself and I have not one single regret. It truly is crazy how much your life can change in a year especially when you start tuning into yourself and your power. I became way more spiritual as I learned about angel numbers and numerology. I started journalling more than I ever have, being honest with myself and my past and creating daily routines and habits that centre around self love, care and gratitude.

If you have any thought or feeling that there is more to life than what meets the eye, if you feel like you are not meant to be another making of societal standards and think everything is upside down, you are beginning your journey. There are people or spirits waiting to meet you and help you, you just have to ask.