Hi All! So let’s just say that God has kept me on the tips of my toes these last few months. I’d like to take a moment and fill you in on what He has been doing in my life lately.
For those of you who have known me for awhile, you probaby know that back in middle school I had a heart-to-heart with God on a Wednesday night at Faith Tabernacle youth group. I remember it like it was yesterday. The lights were dimmed and the youth pastor was asking us to commit to obeying God no matter the cost. My conversation with God went something like this, “God I’ll go anywhere, do anything…except mission work. I mean, I will commit to joyfully and cheerfully supporting missions prayerfully and financially, but I do not want to be the actual missionary. Thanks for listening to me.”
These past few months I’ve learned not to ever tell God you won’t do something, because if you do, then that’s probably what you will eventually end up doing! 🙂
I have always been drawn to adventure, traveling, and reaching out to help others- I just was not sure how all of that was going to fit into my selected career path. In August/September 2009, a friend of mine from small group introduced me to a program called The World Race- a Christian mission trip through 11 countries over 11 months. At the time I researched it briefly and decided it was a great program- it just was not good timing for me. I had been working at my company for two years- a company that I loved and respected. My career was going well and I could not imagine that it would be God’s will for me to walk away from everything I was working towards.
Shortly into the new year I began hearing God knock on the door of my heart. It began on a Sunday morning at church with the “Balance Beam” video clip from Francis Chan. I would HIGHLY encourage you to take 3-4 minutes to watch the clip on YouTube because it forever changed my life. I am embarrassed to admit it, but that video was a pretty accurate portrayal of where my life was headed. I wanted to serve God, but I had put limits on what I was willing to do for Him. As a result of watching the video, I became deeply challenged to make sure my life was one that was lived radically for God, not a “safe” life lived within my comfort zone.
At first, the knock on my heart was subtle, and slowly it worked its way louder. After wrestling with God for days and weeks on end, and praying about it with my family, I decided that I needed to at least give The World Race another look. It was not easy to consider at first; let me assure you…this was coming from the girl who had told God “anything but missions.” 🙂 As I lifted this opportunity up in prayer and sought godly counsel, I could not deny the truth. Over time I had experienced a change in heart…the more I looked into The World Race the more I felt peace that it was to be a part of my near future. I was now truly willing to serve in missions whether it was for a short time or indefiniately.
I began the application/interview process and eventially I received a phone call saying I had been accepted! 🙂
There are several hurdles that I will need to overcome during my preparation (transition, fundraising, mental/emotional/spiritual preparation, etc.), but because I have witnessed God’s provision first-hand in my life, I know I have nothing to fear.
I plan to post updates on my blog throughout my time of preparation, as well as during my 11 months abroad. It would bring me great joy if you would like to follow me during this journey by reading and commenting on my blog posts- as well as prayerfully supporting me. This whole blog-thing is pretty new to me, so you may have to bear with me from time-to-time. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to hear about what God is going in my life. I am so excited to see where He leads me- the people, the places, and the experiences. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a ride that is more wild and crazy (and challenging) than anything I have ever experienced! 🙂
God Bless!
