How I got involved with GO: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.”(Gen 12:1) The way how I got involved with GO I could not call any other way but the will of God. It was back in 2008 when I left my family, home, friends and life back in Lithuania and went for a trip of my life. I did not know where I am going to live, what I am going to eat or what I am going to do. I did not know anything. I simply trusted in God and I knew that He is the only one who knows what I need, where and why I need to be.
When my English teacher had offered me to take part in the “Global Outreach“ exchange program between Catholic High Schools in the Central/Eastern Europe and the USA, I could not believe that such a program could even exist and that I would ever had any chance to be a part of it. It was like a dream I never thought could ever come true. I was a freshman in high school and English was only my second foreign language. Besides, we were four children in our family growing up only with my mother: I could not see how we could ever afford it financially. However, in July I was literally
“forced” by my English teacher to participate in the international “Global Outreach” summer camp which for the first time took place in Lithuania. During that week, I have found many new friends and I had such a great and new experience there. I have realized that I need that one year in the USA. I could not explain why, but I knew I need it. Probably a big part of a reason was because I have changed a lot during that one week at the summer camp and I could only imagine what would be after one year. Therefore, I have decided to apply for this program and in the following February I have sent my application and went for the interview. In May, I have found that I was selected to be an exchange student for the school year 2008/2009 but I still did not have a host family. It took me a month of really hard waiting to find out that I have a family which is waiting for me over there. This waiting required a lot of faith and confidence in God’s plan. Now I recall that when I decided to participate in this program, I was praying that it would not be only about me, that it would be something more. Even during the interview when I have been asked about my opportunities to be selected, I have answered, that there is nothing what depends on me or even on you: if it is God’s will for me to go, I will go. He wanted. And I went having my all trust in Him.
My life experience in the USA, school, host family (and years you were in USA): I have never thought about going to the USA as an opportunity to improve my English. Many people laughed at me when I would say that the reason I went there was that I simply followed the way God was showing me. I was not afraid. I left everything with the joyful heart and followed Him. When the Lord has a special plan for you – accept it and God will take care of everything you need to accomplish it.
My life got upside down. Besides time difference, my lifestyle has changed completely. At the very beginning it was hard because I was so used to a routine and being busy all the time and suddenly I did not know what to do or where I need to be. Therefore, this was a great opportunity to give these worries into the hands of God and simply trust in Him. Now I cannot believe how I would happen to be in a right place on the perfect time: I was there where I was needed. It also took me a lot of effort to force myself to share my talents that am given with those around me. Then I often would ask: “God, why me? Why do You teach me such a things so far away from my home? Could not I learn and experience it all being in my home country?” And then I have found an answer
:” What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1Cor 2, 9) I have been living and studying in Wausau, Wisconsin. I was the seventh child for a family which hosted me. They accepted me like a real daughter and opened not only the door of their home but also the door of their hearts as well. Another strong experience was to attend Newman Catholic High School. I was amazed how friendly students, teachers and all faculty were. St. Francis said that for a good person the whole world is good. I have grown by learning to accept everything like a gift: not only friends or good things but painful accidents and goodbyes as well. I have learnt to live one day the time with a thankful and open heart.
I was alone during the whole year in the USA, but not lonely, of course, and therefore, it was a perfect retreat for me. The truth is that friends in Christ are friends forever and even the distance does not have any impact in this case. I felt very happy all the time and smile was always on my face, even if sometimes few tears in my eyes would show up. Later on I have found a message that explained it a lot:
“The sign of a good heart is a cheerful countenance.” (Sir 13:25). How could not my heart be happy in the presence of the Lord? There is no such a thing that would be impossible for God. He does not give us more than we can handle. Moreover, He helps us to carry our crosses. The only thing to do is to trust and have faith in Him.
My return home to Europe: It was way much more difficult to get back home than to leave it but I was happy about it because I knew, that my esxperience was real. That experience did not end up when I got back home. I commited then and I still keep on it: to be a servant leader and to answer for God‘s calling to build the civilization of love whereever I am and whatever I am doing.
Current and Future Plans: It is being said that if you have any plans tell them to God and you will make Him laugh. I think He is laughing about my plans I tried to build up on my own in previous years. Everything has changed. Currently I am working at the Franciscan youth ministry and am active in Church’s life. That is mostly because I am on a difficult waiting period in my life again. I never thought that after that one year in the USA I would ever be back. I even used to tell people that it was nice over there but I would never live there. However, it seems that it is likely to happen because I am about to marry the most wonderful man in the whole world who happens to be exactly from the USA. Once again, it is not about me. It is a great blessing from above. Therefore, I take one day at the time while waiting to be with the one who was given me back in 2008 on a TEC retreat, who is the Love of my life, through whom God speaks straight to my heart , and with whom I want to spend my whole life while fulfilling the will of God.