The moment I was given the opportunity to study abroad, I knew in my heart that The Lord had more plans for me than simply attending school. One day while I was at church, the pastor mentioned they would begin missionary classes for 6 Weeks. It happened to be, that it was the last couple weeks right before I would head off to Vienna.
Then he said the first 5 people to sign up get it for free! I was the 5th person. I was so excited because I knew great things were ahead. The Lord used this missionary classes to prepare my mind and soul for the people of my city, of Vienna and now those I will encounter during world race. Right before I left, one of my friends I has been talking to about God had come to accept Christ. This was such an exciting point in my life because God showed that he could use me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Being in Vienna, Austria I have had the opportunity to make new friends and develop long lasting relationships. Although, I had never been on a “missionary trip” I see everyday as a chance to share God’s love. One of my colleagues, who hadn’t been to a church in 10 years, after I invited him, also came to Christ. It’s amazing to see God work.
Over the past couple months, I’ve been traveling to several countries in Europe. It has been such a rewarding and revealing experience. The Lord has taught me so much about myself and the vast variety of cultures and people in the world. There are stories, tears, smiles, adventures in each city.
One country that changed my life was Greece. It was the first trip I would take by myself and I had the privilege of making memories and friends in all the cities I visited. I promised God that this trip would be one I would dedicate to him and that I wanted him to use me and boy did He! Most of them, I was able to share the good news about Jesus and share a different point of view than they had. The people of Greece truly took care of me in ways I am so grateful for.
I would have 2 layovers in Heraklion and Athens before I would arrive to my final destination of Santorini. From the moment I arrived in Greece, my first encounter was splendid. A girl I met offered to help me get to the city and offered to feed me. She made me fresh squeezed orange juice, lentil soup, with bread and feta cheese. She was so sweet. She took me to the bus stop for the airport and then I was on my way to Athens. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my trip.
On the plane ride, I met another gentleman who drove me to the city and equipped me with all the information I need (which bus to take back to the airport, where to go, etc). Then after a pit stop at Starbucks I made 2 new friends, who offered to show me around Athens and stay with me until 3 am before I would have to head to the airport again for my final flight. I had the privilege of standing on a mountain 10 feet from the acropolis, with a beautiful view of Athens, and sharing the love of God with my friend.
After a long night, I finally arrived in Santorini at 7 am. After I finally rested, I took off to see the dream island of Santorini. In one of the black beaches, I encountered a man named Nicolas. Over the next few days of my trip, I spent lots of time getting to know him, his story and who he was. He was originally from Egypt but had been living in Greece for over 9 years. We rented a 4 wheeler ( it was my first time ever) and he showed me the entire island. It was so much fun!
During this time, I shared to him about God and I know something stuck because towards the end of my trip when we said our goodbyes, he began to cry. It was the first time in my life I have seen someone I just met cry because I was leaving. He said it was because I was the first person he met to actually care about him on the island. I asked him if I could pray for him, and he said yes. I took his hands and prayed for him to seek Christ and know that The Lord is with him. It was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced.
Towards the end of my time in Santorini, I met 3 more wonderful ladies. All of them were so kind, spent time with me and made memories. I still keep in touch with all the individuals I met during my journey in Greece and I am so blessed to have each one of them.
After living this experience in Greece and all the little things that happened to me right before leaving abroad and during my travels, I understood what It was to live as a disciple and changed how I viewed my life as a missionary.
A few days after I arrived from Greece, I received the phone call that I was accepted to be apart of World Race. My eyes filled with tears and I was so joyful to hear this! The Lord was using all these experiences in my life to prepare me for this missionary trip of a lifetime.
