Around junior year in high school everyone starts thinking about where they’re going to attend college when they graduate. I was in this same position but I was stuck. Every college I looked at just didn’t seem right. I didn’t understand because college is supposed to be the next step, right? Completely lost and confused, I reached out and prayed about it, hoping to find some kind of clarity. I had no idea what God’s plan for me was but soon enough it became clear that college would not be the next step for me, at least not yet. Eventually I decided I would go to Colorado and do an internship at a non profit for a year. I thought this was perfect because after the internship I could go to the beautiful school in Colorado Springs and continue to become more involved in the nonprofit. I had it all figured out, I had a plan. But that was the problem, it was MY plan, not God’s plan for me. Even though I was praying about it, I wasn’t listening for His response because I was too busy trying to figure it out on my own. So although my plan made sense, I still felt uneasy about it, and that’s when I stopped trying to sort it out myself. At this point I was already a senior, I still had no idea what the upcoming year would hold for me, and I am screaming “God please just lead me and I will follow!”. And He did.
One day back in November I ended up stuck at school waiting on a ride home. Just to pass time I began looking at mission programs available to kids my age and I stumbled upon the World Race website. Immediately I was shaken. The idea was leaving for nine months to 5 different countries and serving in impoverished communities while sharing the Word of God. This trip called for total abandonment, of family, of friends, of comfort, of security, of everything. It’s crazy. But as soon as I read about it I was completely overwhelmed by this feeling of God pulling at my heart and telling me “GO, this is where I am leading you” . Without hesitation I said okay, and I felt peace. I was on the verge of tears, because sitting in the hallway at school, for the first time in a long time I was at peace with my future. As soon as I got in the car with my mom that day I told her about the trip and how I had every intention of going on it this year. I honestly must have sounded crazy and impulsive. But she supported and encouraged me completely, and I am so grateful for that. I knew it was going to be difficult and there were going to be many trials that lay ahead, but I also knew that God would deliver because this is where He is calling me.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to travel and see the world more than anything. All of sudden here is this opportunity to do that while growing in my relationship with Christ and serving others. Mission work is my passion. I am beyond excited to spend this next year serving those who are less fortunate than I am, and bringing His word to those who may not even know His name. I live for the thrill of traveling and embracing new cultures and I cannot wait to embark upon this adventure.
