Hello, friends and family! To many it may come as a surprise that I am baptized, let alone attending a 9-month mission trip. Well, let me catch you up on my crazy rollercoaster life!
Almost three years ago I was saved by Christ, just two months after my brother passed away. When I gave all of my heartbreak, anger, and anxiety to God it felt like the weight of the world was lifted off of my shoulders. At the time, I was attending a youth group outside of my church and a couple of girls mentioned knowing someone who was in the World Race. I had no clue what that was, but when they filled me in I was intrigued. I even began training that because I wanted to be in it so badly. But of course, I was too young and my mind was devoured by doubt so I let this dream die.
As time went by I gradually began to listen to my flesh and turn my back on God. When I began college my relationship with God was completely obsolete. During this time I was hit with some pretty hard times emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. After an experience that has changed me forever, I realized I could not live without God. Two weeks later on March 9, 2019 I was baptized! My baptism was not at all what I pictured it would be. When I was saved I fantasized being baptized in the ocean with all of my friends and family gathered around. Instead, I was in the second floor of my church, in a rather warm pool of water, surrounded by two woman I had never met before, and my wonderful Pastor Rhi! To be honest, I was really bummed about this, but then I heard the Holy Spirit tell me, “I have never left you, I am always with you.” From that moment on I have found peace in being alone and knowing that Jesus is always with me.
A couple of days pass after my baptism and I felt a strong calling to go on a mission trip. For some reason I could not remember the World Race’s name, so I frantically searched, “mission trips”. Absolutely nada. A day goes by and I am online shopping, lets not talk about it ok, I didn’t buy anything if you were worried for my bank account. I look over at an ad for THE WORLD RACE!!! C’mon you can NOT tell me that wasn’t God winking at me. So, I did it. I put all of my fear to the side and applied for the World Race Gap Year.
The night before my interview, I sobbed and praised God because I knew in my heart that I would be accepted. There were too many signs to think otherwise. Sure enough, I received my acceptance ON THE SPOT. I was literally still on the phone with my interviewer. At most, I was expecting an email maybe a week after my phone interview. But that is the amazing God I serve! A God who not only wants to meet our expectations, but who surpasses our expectations beyond our wildest dreams.
So now you are all caught up, for now. Adios!
