5 years ago my life was turned upside down, when a small group from my school were taken to Northern Uganda. We worked in schools and ministry, which as a non-believing 17 year old was quite a shock. The vibrant joy and passion for Jesus initially overwhelmed me. I couldn’t understand it. My experience wasn’t perfect; I cried myself to sleep for at least the first 3 nights, and then I was too exhausted to worry about crying! But it made a mark on my heart that has never left me.
Just over a year later, and 1 more Uganda trip under my belt, I made a commitment to follow Jesus whole-heartedly and completely. Then everything really started to change.
I stopped just looking at my life from the perspective I always had done, what defined success and riches completely changed. My priorities shifted and the overall aim for my life became to honour God in all my pursuits and to show others how much he loves them. This isn’t always easy, and I don’t claim to always be doing it well. But the purpose of my life is forever changed.
I have a passion for working with children, particularly those who are disabled or have life-limiting illnesses. You can never underestimate a child’s ability to refuse to feel sick, they don’t have the restraints of an adult mind telling them they can’t do it. I feel privileged everyday to be able to work with such inspiring children and their families.
Saying that it sounds like I’m in the perfect place: working in a large world-renowned hospital, in a multicultural and diverse city, surrounded by the potential to learn and grow. Well yes. I am. I have no doubt that if I stayed I would grow and progress in my career and my love of God. But I just don’t think it’s where God wants me right now.
The nations have been on my heart ever since I came to know Jesus; I would never feel comfortable to commit to staying in the UK for a long time. I am always thinking ‘Where does God want me to go next?’ This constant longing to go somewhere new made me confused about where exactly God wanted me to go, I didn’t feel pulled to anywhere definite. I have spent a long time praying and seeking advice about the world race and the countries I will be visiting, and I am confident that this is the next step of this journey with God.
I have grown so much, and learnt such a vast amount in these last 18 months in Manchester that it’s hard to explain. But I feel that it is time for a different adventure, God has so much more in store for me than my wildest dreams could ever imagine. So here goes, I’m going to give my time, my skills, and my heart over to God for a year and let’s see where he takes us.
