These next few years of my life are quite possibly some of the most crucial. I will start to gain an education, establish who I really am, and maybe even find where I belong in this world. These few years are so vital to the rest of my life, and it is bizarre for me to know that I am taking one of these precious years of change to give to Christ. What if this mission trip becomes a setback in my life? What if I come back and have nothing because I left with nothing? What if I choose a completely different life than I had planned for myself before the Race? Then there is the question that nearly every single one of my family members has asked- what if I die or get kidnapped or become very ill on the Race?
All of these questions are valid. There are absolutely no guarantees in this life. We are not guaranteed an education, a family, love, or even life for that matter. There is no telling what may happen tomorrow… or if tomorrow will even come. The fact is that being in high risk countries that suffer from AIDS, human trafficking, hopelessness, and all around hurt will never be safe, but we cannot assume that being here is safe either. There are shootings and murders and cancers and death here, too. You see, danger is not confined to hurting nations, it is everywhere. I do understand the risks associated with this mission, but I also understand the beauty of giving and helping others.
Today I was listening to Levi Lusko on Air1 radio, and he was preaching about giving to God first no matter the uncertainty that is associated with the gift. During this short 60 seconds of hope, Levi Lusko said “The first and the best belong to the Lord- That is what faith will always cause you to do. Why? Because it is risky to give to God first.”
These next few years of my life are what I believe may be the best of my life. I want to give to Christ what is His, and right now that is the next year of my life. It’s a year that I had made other plans for, a year of life that I had different dreams for, a year of life that I wanted to use for my advantage, an a year of life that I believe is the first and the best in a life of (hopefully) prosperity. I want to give God my best. I want to honor Christ with a precious year of my life in complete devotion to spreading His love to those that are hurting. It is risky, but the treasure is so worth the risk.
This brings me to a final mantra which encapsulates this mission:
“9 months, 5 countries, 1 mission: Love.”
Peace and Love,
Laura
