So I’m sure if you’re reading this you’re probably wondering what in the world is this girl thinking!? And why does she want to do this!? I’m curious about the details!? And I have great news for you.. All of your questions will soon be answered!! So let me start on the WHY.
First off, I have always felt a tug on my heart for missions. And I’m not even sure how it came about other than the fact that I know it’s from God because I can’t seem to shake the itch. I would say this heart tug grew into something much deeper after I served on a medical mission trip in Haiti in 2018. Guys… this trip changed me from the inside out. I was wrecked. And after serving for only a week I was craving MORE. Which is exactly why I’ve landed in the predicament you’re currently reading about. I want to live a radical life serving others in a selfless way all in the name of Jesus.
So here’s to the HOW!? This has not been something that I just thought “oh I’d like to do that” and clicked a few buttons and everything was perfectly set into place….no…. In all honesty, I have spent over a year wrestling with God about this. Worrying about the timing, having the finances to go because your girl is a broke college student, how to even decide what organization to go through, taking the courage to apply, having doubt that I’m not spiritually equipt enough etc. People… this aching heart had a lot of questions, but not enough to keep her separated from God’s faithfulness. Praise God. I have spent so many months praying about what I should do and what the Lord would have for me because I knew without His direction I would get nowhere. I’ve always had a longing to go on another trip, but I had no clue how to make it happen or where to even begin. All I was sure of was that I had a definite pull in the direction and if I had faith and kept pressing into God, He would provide a way that would fill my hearts desires. And although that took a lot more patience than I was prepared for at the time, He has woven everything together so perfectly because THATS HOW GOOD HE IS. Ya’ll I had never even heard of the World Race and when God miraculously led me to their website through a girl I followed on Instagram (what are the odds), they had not even came out with any of the Fall 2020 Semester routes. But I knew that this was a seed and so I continued to pray if it was His will for me it would be made known. As time passed, I kept checking on their website and I actually had my eyes set on a summer Semester trip for one month. In reality, I felt content and comfortable with the option and because of that it didn’t challenge my faith, which is a big reason why I think I didn’t feel peace over it. So I waited until Fall 2020 Semester routes released and when they did, I read about the focus of the Thailand and Malaysia ministries.. I had chills and knew He was calling me to this specific route. However, right after the God given glory bumps, I was finding myself trying to argue with Him over the fact that this three month trip was obviously going to be a bit more costly financially (just being real with ya’ll about my lack of faith). And I heard the Lord begin to whisper to me “Do you think I would call you to something I will not provide a way for you to walk through” and “Do you really trust me?” … man when the Lord speaks, sometimes He hits you with some honest faith questions. So finally I decided to surrender to His calling even though I was terrified. At this point I had only mentioned this idea to a handful of people, which the majority spoke life into me but I do want to give you a word of advice for those of you reading who are seeking answers, don’t let the disbelief of people around you make you ever doubt a calling that God has placed on your heart. HE WILL PROVIDE. And He will do so in a manner that will have your cup OVERFLOWING!!
Here’s to the why NOW!? For starters, I just want to say that God’s timing is and will always be sovereign no matter what… Now, for those of you who aren’t aware I’m currently finishing up my nursing school and will graduate with my RN in the end of May 2020. I have been so ecstatic over the idea of finally being finished with school, but also really scared because that means I have to decide what I’m doing with my life. For the past two years I have been at war with myself over what my career path is going to be. I guess where the idea of serving on a mission came from was really out of seeking His will for me because I can’t seem to figure it out on my own. So I decided before I stepped into a nurse graduate program at a hospital or found myself moving and digging my roots into someplace, I wanted to devote a period of time just seeking God and serving others. Maybe I will come back from this three month mission trip and the whole trajectory of my world will be changed and I’ll be set on a different path, or maybe I will come back and feel content with nursing and showing people the light of Jesus in the care and compassion that I can provide through my current occupation. Who stinking knows. But what I do know is that God is so very faithful and I wholeheartedly want what He would have for me and I have faith that I will find the answers that only He can provide.
Here’s to the WHAT!? I will be serving as a missionary through Adventures in Missions (ADV) in their Thailand and Malaysia Semesters program, which will be three months long. My launch date is August 27 and I will return the 31st of November!! I will spend these three months serving alongside other like minded individuals who are all between 18 and 22 years old, apart from our group leaders. We will partner with ministries that are already active in the communities we will be traveling to and if you’re curious about the specifics you can head to https://www.adventures.org/semesters/fall2020-trip-2/
How you can HELP. I know that there are people who are hungry to hear about Jesus and also those who may have never heard about His love and restoration. I’m beyond thankful, excited, scared.. practically all the emotions.. to be on the journey He would have for me with this opportunity to share the gospel. I have every confidence that He will provide for my needs. And ultimately, my prayer is that He will do that through you because this is a whole lot bigger than me. So if you in any way feel led to.. please consider partnering prayerfully and financially with me in this ministry. To go on this Semesters trip, I have to raise $6,400 which includes all my travel and lodging accommodations. I have several financial deadlines to meet in the coming months and will need to have 100% of this goal in my account before I launch. To put it into perspective, if 64 people give $100, I will be fully funded for my trip!! You can donate by clicking on the donate bar at the top of this page where my goal and current amount funded is found.
I am so excited to see how God will move in my life and in the lives of others in the coming year. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. For those of you interested, this will be my personal blog for all future updates while on my trip if you want to keep up with my journey!! Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support.
