Who knew that three years after truly finding Jesus, I would be embarking on this crazy adventure?
I guess you can say I have always walked through life with the Lord. I grew up in a religious family and attended a Catholic Church regularly. When I was younger, I didn’t understand the importance of Christ. I knew that I believed in Him and I knew the common stories in the Bible, but I saw religion as a burden and set of rules that I had to follow. I wasn’t in control of my walk with the Lord. I was baptized and I went through first communion classes because that is what my parents chose for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am forever grateful that I grew up in a home that accepted the Lord, but I like to be in control of things in my life. Giving up this need to feel in control and giving everything over to God is something I still struggle with today. I was over people telling me that I needed to do this or that and to be at church every Sunday. When I was younger, I often pretended to be sick or purposely sleep in past my alarm just so I didn’t have to go to church (sorry mom).
Fast forward a few years to my freshman year in college. One of the first girls I met at Longwood invited me to a Christian Fellowship were we could meet new people and get a free meal (FREE FOOD of course I’m in!). That night led to me attending a bible study the following week. Let me tell you, I felt so out of place. Everyone had their own bible, seemed confident in openly sharing their faith, and prayed to God like they were best friends. Coming from a girl who only owned a massive bible that was kept on display, I was mortified when I saw girls highlighting and writing in their bibles. They opened prayers by saying “Hey God”…and I thought to myself they did not just talk to Him like that. I was clearly naive when I thought we had to open prayers by saying “Dear Heavenly Father” every time. So there I was second guessing everything I knew. Somehow one month later I felt the courage to be bold and sign my name on an interest sheet for a mission trip to Haiti. Those few seconds of courage changed my life. I paid my deposit for the trip without knowing who I was going with or any other details of the trip.
In December of 2012, I was a shy freshman who boarded a plane to Haiti knowing no one in my group. That week opened my eyes and allowed me to see firsthand that I can have a personal relationship with the Lord. That week I experienced things that would forever change me and some that still haunt me today.
I like to think that my journey with Christ started then. That week I started my relationship with the Lord, I gained some really cool friends in Christ, and I fell in love with a broken country.
Who knew that I would show up to a Christian fellowship three years ago?
Who knew that I would sign up for a life changing trip without thinking?
Who knew that a shy 12-year old boy from Port au Prince would change my heart?
Who knew that I would go through some serious struggles in order to find an amazing relationship with the Lord?
Who knew that just three years after I truly found Jesus that I would be embarking on an adventure of a life time?
God Knew.
As many of you have heard I am participating in a program known as the World Race. The World Race is a journey sharing Christ’s love in 11 countries in 11 months. I will be serving the “least of these” while amongst raw community. This is a unique experience where I will be leaving behind the life that I have become accustomed to in exchange to serve the Kingdom.
In August of 2016, I will be leaving for Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. I can’t to do this without the love and support of my friends and loved ones. Each of you can be a part of my adventure with Christ. You can follow my journey by clicking on the left hand column and subscribing to my blog. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support mean more than I can ever express. Will you partner with me?
**fundraising blog coming soon!!
