We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story…
Well, where to begin..
I went on several short term missions trips with AIM in high school through the youth group that I attended. I learned so much through them and they had such an impact on me in high school. That being said, I was familiar with Adventures in Missions.
Fast-forward to last summer (around a year ago), I was reading an article online that a world racer had written. I thought it sounded like such an amazing opportunity, but didn’t look into it much because I still had a year of school left and thought it was something that I would never have a chance to do (God obviously had different plans!). Towards the middle of my last semester at Clemson I came across another article about the World Race online. This really got me thinking about things and I started looking into it. My major was sociology, so learning about people and culture is something that I already have a passion for! I really looked into the application process and was highly considering it, but there were a few things really holding me back. For those of you who don’t know, my sister was diagnosed with leukemia last November..she went through chemo until around March or April and then thankfully went into remission! (Praise Jesus!) My parents were against me applying because we weren’t sure if I could be a donor (if necessary) if I had been to some of the countries I’ll be going to, so the process was put on hold for awhile. A few weeks later my dad came to me and said he thought that it would be a great opportunity and I should really consider going. My mom talked to my sister’s doctor and he assured them that it would be totally fine for me to go! A few weeks later, after much consideration, I applied!
I know that this is totally the Lord working in my life because until the other two missions trips I went on, I never had a desire to do overseas missions. In fact, growing up I never thought the idea of leaving all comforts and going to serve in some far away place sounded appealing at all! I knew that God called people to do that, but He would never call me. Funny how God has quite a sense of humor! It is so interesting to see how His plan is at work all the time. I went to college as a graphic design major. Then changed to Spanish after the mission trip I went on to Guatemala. I then changed to business, which wasn’t for me at all! ha Last but not least, I ended up pursuing a degree in sociology. Before, my thought process was always “Who would major in something like that..they can’t do anything with it!” However, I can now see that Christ was working in my life, and over the course of time, putting a passion in my heart for people- genuinely wanting to serve them and learn about their lives. That being said, I know that this trip is exactly where I am supposed to be! I am so excited to see where this journey leads and hope that you will share in every part along the way!
