Today I turned 25. It quickly turned into the most beautiful birthday. My team planned an awesome day for me. They bought me coffee and some snacks. They prayed and spoke wonderful words of encouragement over me. They treated me to a morning movie in our PJ’s and an awesome lunch. It was my first birthday where I didn’t plan any of it. It was thoughtful, fun, and relaxing. A beautiful day with beautiful women in the beautiful nation of Cambodia.
And then. At the end of our night, while walking along a dirt road by a lake, I hear Lynn yell “Move. You’re going to get hit by a cow!” What timing! I was off in la-la land thinking about how bizarre it is that my life at 25 is nothing like I expected. How ironic that I got awoken from these thoughts by a warning of almost being hit by a cow? Sure enough, there was a herdsman with his cows a few yards away, heading straight towards me!
Who I Once Was
I think about that girl who not too long ago cried herself asleep, hoping she wouldn’t wake up.
I think about that girl who fought so hard to not repeat the mistakes of her family.
I think about that girl who used to fear, yet accept loneliness as her destiny.
I remember that girl who was so insecure that she did just about anything to get attention.
I remember that girl who was so concerned with the approval of people that she would say and do things against her beliefs.
I remember that girl who used to dream so small.
She was afraid of dreaming big because just knew it wouldn’t happen.
Big things don’t happen to people like her.
I remember that girl who knew there had to be something more, but got weary searching for the answers.
I think of that girl who wanted to do something to change the world, but doubted she could.
She would fight for the oppressed.
Stand with the abused and feed the hungry.
Her life would give hope to the hopeless.
Words can’t capture it.
My life. This crazy adventure. My gratitude.
There is something significant about turning 25 in the U.S. For many, it generally holds some sort of promise. We grow up having clear expectations about what our lives will look like “by then.” It’s a milestone. A marker of sorts. Where we stop and measure the success of our life so far and perhaps renegotiate our aspirations.
Like many of us at 25 I wanted to be in the thick of the “American Dream.” Instead, I am a missionary, earning no money, and am dirty pretty much all the time. Whereas my dream before was solely focused on selfish desires, I am now only satisfied with serving and loving others. Every day I learn to do that better. Whereas my old self took pride in accomplishing all things for myself and by myself, I am beyond blessed with family and friends who love and believe in me deeply. I am living a dream that is not about me and it’s both humbling and refreshing to know I didn’t get here by myself.
The past five months have been challenging, yet incredible. Your support has taught English to people who will not be able to earn a living otherwise, loved on kids without families, and shared Jesus’ love with people who have never heard of Him. In me, your support has allowed me to walk alongside 9 women on their spiritual journeys as a team leader, shown me the depths of God’s love for all & His power to unify people across any difference or barrier, and further ignited a fire in me for justice and freedom for all people.
Your support is truly a part of something much bigger than any of us can ever imagine, hope for, or understand. As you give, you’re a part of this crazy plan of God’s to bring hope to a hurting world. As you give, you are making a difference in the lives of so many people, including me. Your generosity, prayers, and words of encouragement inspire me daily to love more, give more, and dream bigger.
So, as I enter into my 25th year of life, living in a dream that at one point I didn’t think was possible, I want to give my whole hearted thanks to those of you who support me. For those who share a heart of compassion for all people and entrust me with your love to others. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and for fighting for me. It’s because of your love, patience, and confidence in me that my 25th birthday is celebrated in a village in Cambodia loving on kids, instead of partying it up in Vegas like I hoped (I still plan to visit Vegas by the way. I heard the food is amazing).
As I enter into this new year, I ask for your continued support and generosity. I am still in need of $3,705 until I am fully funded. I am so grateful for the $12, 556 that has been given and can’t thank you enough for the gift of 5 months on the Race. However, if I am not fully funded by March 1st I will be sent home with only 6 months on the field. So, in honor of my 25th birthday, I am asking you to please consider giving a one-time, tax-deductible donation of $25 or more. I have no doubt that I am to see the Race until the end, but I can’t do that without you!
If you are able to partner with me financially, please give through one of the following ways:
1. Online: Click the “SUPPORT ME” link on the left side of my blog.
2. Mail In:
Cut out the small online processing fee by mailing a check to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Checks should be made out to “Adventures in Missions”
***Put “PERKINSSHATERIKA” in the memo line of the check!!!!!***
Love,
Sha’terika
Questions about my journey so far? Feel free to email me any questions you have by clicking the “EMAIL ME” link on the left hand side.
