I am only a few short months away from going on the adventure of a life time. So close to being able to do what I love the most with other followers of Christ who share my same love for the God’s creation and all His people. This incredible journey of faith and discovery will take me farther from home than i have ever been. I will be gone longer than i ever imagined possible. I am so excited, and as i draw closer to this next chapter of my life, I thought it would be fun to share some things I have learned from previous mission trips. Some are fun, and others are often overlooked when people leave on these trips for God.
The longest trip i had ever been on was my trip to the Philippines. The first lesson I ever learned was always bring a spare pair of glasses. In the Philippines, my glasses broke on day 2, and I was unable to see anything for the entire duration of my trip. Something a little more funny I had to learn the hard way, only bring clothes you are willing to burn when you get home. When I was abroad I washed my clothes several times a week in a bucket. When I returned home my mom washed those same clothes in our washing machine probably 12 times, but they weren’t savable. The smell would not leave my clothes, and I had to throw them all away.
These mission trips have always been a passion of mine. I love seeing God work in big ways in peoples lives. People coming together after disasters and helping each other out of the love in their heart. Seeing the joy in someone’s eye when they see their newly built home. It’s all so amazing to witness firsthand. I love exploring new states and countries. Being able see all of God’s wonderful creation, and some incredible cities.
It’s amazing opportunity and I honestly can’t wait to leave this January. There’s also some things sometimes overlooked about this opportunity though. I am giving up the right to sleep in a bed for almost a year. I won’t be able to hug my parents for almost a year, or see my younger brother graduate, or my youngest brother learn to drive. I may miss my best friends engagement. These are very real things I am going to miss, but I don’t pity myself.
I knew going into this, my life would be put on hold. I would be making sacrifices for God’s Glory, and taking a leap of faith into what I felt He was calling me to do. I am nervous, but I am not scared. I don’t regret starting this journey, or missing out on a year of “my life” because I owe everything to God. Everything I am, and everything I have been given is from God. I am excited to see what the World Race has in store for my life. I know if God is asking me sacrifice my plans for His plans, that His plans are much bigger and better than I could ever imagine.
On past trips I learned to bring extra glasses, old clothes, and that I will miss my mom, but more importantly than that; I have learned that God is good. He has a plan, and it is much bigger than anything I would’ve done alone in America. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store.
-Josi G
