In sixth grade I began visiting my great aunt and uncle every spring break. They lived down in the valley of Texas close to the Mexican border and close to South Padre Island as well. We would go once or twice across the border to go shopping. Every time we crossed the bridge there were the very long cane poles with milk jugs attached at the top with openings in them in order for people to put money inside. As I peered down to the river there half-dressed little children waiting for money to be put in their milk jugs. My aunt always brought extra money and every time we would put money in the milk jugs. These visits peaked my interest in helping the poor and giving to those in need.
When I was a sophomore or junior in high school I was at a youth event and the Holy Spirit called me and led me to publicly surrender to ministry. I wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like but I knew it was what God had called me to do at that moment. Shortly after, our church began going on mission trips to Mexico every summer. We did Vacation Bible Schools, Bible studies, construction work, and various other projects. These trips only increased my recognition of being called into ministry and also my passion for foreign missions.
Some sweet kiddos at a VBS during a mission trip to Mexico in 2013
I learned about the World Race through a couple of acquaintances. One had done a short term mission trip with Adventures in Missions and the other had actually done the World Race. Through my short conversations with each of them I was intrigued and went back to my apartment at Dallas Baptist University to investigate the World Race. I would be graduating in just a few months and God had not given me a plan for after graduation yet. I thought heavily about it but decided to focus on getting through my last semester because it seemed I was drowning in my assignments and projects. I also had some other ideas about what would happen after graduation.
However, yet again, God had another plan for me. I remained at the job I had as a waitress throughout the summer and then began a job at a private Christian school close to home. This was definitely no mistake because I was working with children from a few weeks old through first grade. It has been a great experience working here and I’ve learned so much about kiddos that I had not a clue about before! I believe teaching at the school has developed an understanding and love for children that I didn’t have before that will serve me well in the years to come; from the World Race to motherhood in the future.
Since January of 2013 the World Race has constantly been on my mind and I prayed about it. God finally revealed to me that this was His next plan for me in my journey with Him! This will be the longest mission trip I will have experienced, but I know God will use me to further His kingdom and to help me change and grow for His glory. It might even be a way for him to equip me for full-time foreign missions in the future, but I’m not sure yet. I am sure that this is what God wants next for me and I have chosen to answer and follow Him on this journey.
Please pray about how God would like you to assist me in this mission trip. Whether God leads you to pray for me daily, send me words of encouragement, or to contribute financially I will be grateful for however He leads you to assist. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this blog! I look forward to sharing with you again soon!
