We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip, here is my story…
Which really starts in January 2008, international missions has not really been a part of my life for very long. I always enjoyed going with our Compassion team downtown and working with the homeless but never really thought of going out of the country. Until one day I was sitting in church and read that we had a team going to Africa and for some reason that just jumped out at me. I knew God was calling me to it. The next week we had an event at the church and I went in and talked to a lady, MariBeth, who I knew was going. As soon as I mentioned it she got excited. She had been praying about the trip and felt like God didn’t want her to go this year, she had gone the year before. It was actually a little too late for me to get on the trip but she gave me her place and her plane ticket, it was a total God thing. I am so grateful to her because she is the reason I am here today.
So in May 2008 we left for the village of Cork, South Africa. It would be my first mission trip and God changed my life there. My church goes every year to the same village and has built strong relationships their. The people are so inviting and excited for us to be there. We had a great 10 days and then had to come back to “normal” life. That was incredibly hard to do. I changed a lot about the way I was living and God changed me in many ways over the next year.
I had been saving all year and getting ready for the 2009 trip back to Africa all the while praying for God to use me i a larger role when we went back. On the second trip I was lucky enough to stay about 6 weeks and work in different villages and make a trip to Zimbabwe. It was the most amazing time of my life and I loved every minute of it. Even when I would cry which just so happened to be pretty often. I just kept praying that I would have the opportunity to do this more full time, if God would just open a door. Well, my prayers were answered. About 2 weeks before we left we were introduced to team Luminous. They are an amazing team from the World Race. My friend who stayed with me in Africa, Desiree and myself actually had the privilege of living and working alongside of them. During this time I drilled them with questions and knew this is what I was called to do. As soon as I got home I applied and got accepted. And here I am 🙂
SO excited about the World Race and know that God has been there every step along the way.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
TEAM LUMINOUS (January 2009 World Racers) With Me and Desiree
and we are missing Jen 🙁
