I was going through some files on my computer and I stumbled upon one called, “Journal.”  I thought it was strange since I don’t keep a formal journal, so I clicked on it.  It was a letter that I wrote to myself almost a year ago when I was going through a rough time. I barely remember writing it, but reading it broke me.  What an amazing reminder of what can happen when you are committed to letting God write your story.

Dear Wes,

I wanted to write you this letter to remind you of some things.  I don’t know where you are in life or what challenges and surprises have come your way, but I do know how you got there.  [..]

“I have no excuse because I have seen.”

That’s how I would sum up my trip to the Dominican Republic.  If you aren’t aware, I led a team from Cross Point Community Church last week to finish up work on a church that was 4 years in the making.

We worked hard and we played hard, but what I will remember most are the sights.  What I saw will be etched into my mind forever. [..]

This morning (Tuesday, July 13th) I woke up at 3:30AM and headed to the airport to start my journey to the Dominican Republic.  I am leading a team from Cross Point to work on a church and feeding center that was started there 3 years ago.  The finishing touches will hopefully happen this week.  I think it’s pretty cool that us finishing the buildings doesn’t begin a ministry.  The ministry has been going on for years already and I can’t wait to hear the wisdom of the men and women who have dedicated their life to reaching the lost in the D.R.

Someone asked me Sunday night how they could specifically pray for me.  I responded with, “Pray that my life is ruined.  Pray that all my preconceived notions about this world are destroyed and that I will never be the same again.” I pray that for every person on this trip.  Every person came on this trip for different reasons. [..]

“One of my close friends is an amazing photographer. We have got to use him for our wedding pictures,” I said confidently to Amy as we were sitting down to do some wedding planning.

“Well, one of my best friends, Kate, is an amazing photographer and I’ve always wanted to use her,” she snapped back.

Uh oh. After looking at both of their websites, we were still in a gridlock. We were “over-blessed.” In the end, I deferred to my beautiful bride to be (lesson I have quickly learned) and let her make the decision. We would use my close friend for the wedding and her friend Kate for the engagement pictures since she wanted Kate to be in the wedding. [..]

An empty room.  That’s all that is left in the place that I called home for the past 2 1/2 years.  Yeah, I know that’s not an extremely long time, but it is long enough to be sentimental!

For example, that’s the house my “marked change” happened.  It’s also the place where I first told my fiance that I loved her and if you want to be sick even more, our first kiss.  So I have a right to look at the empty rooms of that house and want to hold on to it a little longer. [..]