Where do I even begin?
I have gone on many mission trips in my lifetime. I have known since a young age that I have a special place in my heart for the nations. I love people. I love cultures. I love Jesus and NOTHING brings me more joy than bring able to go to the nations, to love people, to learn cultures, and to share Jesus.
When I got accepted to the world race I thought this is it, this is my dream come true. I thought all of my previous mission trip experiences have well prepared me for this. (Which they HAVE prepared me. And this IS my dream come true). This past week however reminded me that God is NEVER done preparing us for our work. He is NEVER done working in us and through us to make us look more like him.
This past week I have met strangers. Laughed harder than ever with these strangers. Danced like there is no tomorrow with them. Opened up my heart to them. (You know the things you deal with that you sometimes think it’s not worth bothering other people with…. I’m sure I’m not the only person who does this? If so… cool…). Listened as they opened up to me stories that will just move you. Cried with them. Worked along side them to get the Gospel to children, watched them serve in every way possible. They have become family.
I watched children blossom, I gladly let them teach me Russian and Ukrainian as I helped expand their English. I experienced crazy amounts of talents.
Not only did this happen with strangers both staff and children but it happened with people I already knew. The relationship I had with them before deepened.
Ukraine has by far been one of the hardest places I have had to say “see you later” to. At the beginning of the week one of the leaders said Friday you will cry, and we want you to cry because that means friendships were made and work has been done (maybe not the exact words but that was the idea). I knew when he said that I was going to cry because let’s be real I am emotional. I cry anytime I leave anyone anywhere. I did not however realize the depth of this cry. The depth of this love.
I dont know what this next year will hold, only God knows that, but I do believe this trip to Ukraine has been a huge preparation for whatever lies ahead. Rather it is directed towards my team, or the people I meet in each of my 11 countries. I learned (or I guess am learning) that language and culture do not have to keep people from being friends. I learned that it is ok to fully love someone unconditionally even if it will be extreamly hard to say “see you later”. I also learned it is ok to be yourself. It’s ok to love yourself. And it’s ok to let other people love you even if they are strangers.
As I was getting ready to leave last night one of my new dearest friends reminded me that “it’s not about me, or you it is about the Jesus in me, that loves the Jesus in you”.
So thank you Ukraine, thank you Radooga, thank you to EVERYONE who made it possible for me to even go on this trip. Yall have allowed me to see and experiences Jesus’ love for me, for you, for everyone in a whole new way. For that I will forever be thankful.
(Also this trip to Ukraine was not apart of my world race, it was a trip with my church)
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