I knew way ahead of time that 2013 was going to be a year of change. I felt it in bones, so here is the beginning of my calling as a missionary. For those of you who do not know me very well I am new to my faith. But I have come a long way very fast. And I did not do this alone by any means and have my spiritual mentor Jeremy and many others of my fellowship to thank for my radical change.
January of this year you could say I was quite the hot mess and leaving Miami, FL, which had been my home for the last six years. That’s right no more sunshine for me just lots and lots of lovely northeastern Ohio snow. But this struggle was different from any of my past, because I had God with me this time. And an army of angels filling me with knowledge and building my faith daily. I was adjusting to my new yet old home where I was born and raised. It was all so different to me and I was so lost. I had always had a plan; I started college early, got my degree, and then began my career. I was on the fast track to success but it wasn’t fulfilling. I wasn’t satisfied and knew there was more.
So I was lost to say the least, and I am a very happy person. Just when I thought I had it all figured out God stepped in and said not so fast Kristin. I didn’t know why or how and I tried just about everything to find my Plan B. I considered joining the Air Force, getting my MBA, and a number of other options all the while the only thing that I was sure of was my faith. For the first time in my life the Lord had led me to a rock that was higher and I had to learn true patience. I was being tested and I decided to wholeheartedly embrace it without looking back.
I quit my job, joined bible studies, read the word daily and ended my days watching the sunset. How beautiful the summer felt after the long and cold winter. How amazed I was by the colors and clouds every single day. A sight I had seen so many times was suddenly completely different. Every day I watched God paint the sky with wonder and awe because I was finally seeing the world with what I call God eyes, eyes full of faith and an open heart to all His glorious ways. And so the season of confusion had ended for me and I had put on my armor of faith.
Next came the moment I had been waiting for all year, my mission trip to Ecuador. It is a medical mission that I go on with a team of doctors and volunteers to a town in the middle of nowhere called Mindo. This is where I first learned about charity and selfless serving for those who need it most. And I fell in love. I fell in love with the faces and beauty of everyone coming together for a greater cause. I then returned from this week of blessings with a thirst for more. That’s when I stumbled across the World Race. It hit me… hard. And a few sunsets later my application was sent and I patiently waited for my acceptance. So three weeks later I got the call and now I prepare for yet another season. I am excited and thrilled and a little nervous. But just as sure as the sun goes down every night I know that I am finally seeking God’s will in all I do. And as the season of sunsets ends it is now my turn to set the world on fire.
