While reflecting on my life and contemplating what exactly may have brought me to apply to a trip such like this, I guess I could say I always knew I’d end up here.
Growing up listening to my mom and dad rave about the trips they were going on, I was always enthralled. I thought they were the coolest cats on the earth, travelling and helping people, sharing God’s word. I can always remember counting down the years (and then days) until I was 16 and finally able to go with them!
Sure enough, in my 16th year, I took my first missions trip with some members of my church. After spending 3 weeks in St. Vincent, I didn’t want to ever go home. The experience was so rewarding, and by far the hardest work I had ever done in my life. The following winter I spent 2 weeks in Jamaica, and the year after that, 2 weeks in Barbados, each experience drawing me in more and more.
I started University in the fall of 2013, studying International Development (hoping to deepen my love and knowledge for other areas and cultures of the world). After not enjoying my first semester I made the switch to studying Cultural Anthropology. Midway through that semester I found myself enjoying the program, but feeling frustrated and growing increasingly stir-crazy. I could feel God pulling me in a different direction than the one I was going. I prayed to God for a more concrete sign of where he wanted me.
While home over Christmas I spent a lot of time at my church assisting in the food and toy drive, volunteering at the radio station fundraiser and bringing God’s music to the local prison. I felt very ‘at home’ when I was in the Lord’s house. It was during this time that God gave me the push I was looking for, and it wasn’t a gentle one either.
While at a church-friend’s Christmas party, I was chatting to a great family-friend about the upcoming Missions Trip to Barbados with the same group I had done my previous mission work with. Before I even knew what I was saying, words began to spill from my mouth, “I know it’s very late and I already mentioned that school wouldn’t allow me to go, but is there any room left? I really feel that I need to be on this trip”. I was astounded. THIS was the push I had been asking for, and God didn’t even give me a chance to debate him!
Several days later I received news that indeed, I would be able to attend the two-week trip to Barbados. I quickly had to organize myself, talk to my professors, beg for extensions and prepare to do a month’s worth of schoolwork in just under two weeks. God is good, and I knew he would provide for me. Plans pulled together and a mere four weeks after Christmas I found myself on the plane to Barbados with some of the most beautiful, Godly people I knew.
While working in Barbados, I dreaded going home. I could feel God with me and I was craving his presence more than ever. One night, I blindly began ‘Googling’ long-term Christian mission trips. I found Adventures in Mission and the World Race and applied right then and there.
From then until now, everything happened so quickly. First there were extensive applications, then interviews, and finally… the CALL!!
I was walking across campus toward the athletic centre when my phone rang. I picked it up and heard that friendly Georgian accent and knew what was coming: either really, really good news, or really, really bad news. Lucky for me, the news was good!!
I started doing a really wicked happy dance just inside the doors of the gym, one that I had been preparing just for this occasion. I knew for sure that this was truly where God wanted me, and I’m glad it’s where I wanted to be too!
And now, I’m in preparation mode!!! WOOHOO!
I have 28 days to write 4 final exams and raise $6,000 to cover my first payment!!!
Am I scared, nervous, feeling the pressure? Of course! But I too, have faith. I have a Saviour who can move mountains. To Him, what are a few exams and a handful of dollars?
I have a wonderful and powerful God who will guide me along this process, just as he guided me to it.
