A year ago I graduated from Westmont College, not knowing where God was going to take me next. I wouldn’t have guessed South Korea, because it has never been a country of specific interest for me. But after prayer and doors opening for a job to teach English here, I took the opportunity. New place, count me in haha. I have been in Seoul for about 7 months now. I will not sugar coat things or be deceitful and say that I love it here. The truth is it has been one heck of a challenging ride! I have experienced culture shock before in Uganda and Guatemala. But somehow it has been very different here. Experiencing my first winter, a very intense over-worked job, and a perfectionistic culture has felt quite paradoxical to my nature. However, that being said…oh how God has used it to mold me. I have never been a part of such a wonderful Church community: brothers and sisters that give and take prayer, comfort, wisdom, and vulnerability. Not only that, but these things in the culture that irk me and are sometimes a thorn…have produced perseverance, humility, and patience. So how could I not praise my God.
A few months ago, I sat at my awesome Church in Gangnam where a representative from the World Race spoke and played a video. I swear as I saw this video, my heart felt like it was literally being pulled towards the screen as I edged off of my seat. Quickly my fears and the enemy told me, “How dare you think of going to 11 countries in 11 months?! How dare you think of doing something where you will not get paid?” So I shutup the desire. I stored it away. But even after three weeks, I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it. A truly remarkable calling to experience God and see his kingdom throughout the world. I felt the Holy Spirit continuously saying, “Am I the Lord and king of all things, but your money? Am I not big enough to cover something like this? Are you going to live in captivity throughout your life because the opportunities to love and serve do not pay well?” Then through a series of sermons and friends God clearly said, “I am calling you, I will not forsake you. Be at peace.” And the peace has not left me since.
So why am I going and what is this all about? As a person who has been skeptical of mission trips at times it is somewhat hard for me to answer this question simply. I cringe at the egotistical nature of certain nonprofits and mission trips that think they are coming to save the day by fixing a house. So I have definitely done my research about “Adventures in Missions” and I love their balanced point of view. What I will say is that in my experience abroad it is a beautiful paradox of give and take. I hope to be rocked, humbled, and challenged by this experience. I hope to see things I have never seen. I hope to know God more. I look forward to seeing and learning. I hope to encounter God’s present work in these countries and learn from the people, church’s, and ministries we will visit. But I also hope to have the opportunity to love and share God’s love. Ultimately, I look forward to the community and the promise that this will not be a one time high, but an experience that God will use to glorify his kingdom and show me how I can use the passions he has given me to glorify and better his kingdom.
I have had lots of friends already ask, “So what will you actually be doing?” Since I have not yet gone, I will quote the World Race Website as they answer that question saying:
“Every day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for the sick at a hospital. Some days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for your team, and spending time praying for the community you walk through. Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s kingdom work.”
I would deeply appreciate your financial support as well as your prayers! Anything helps. My total goal is $15,500. I look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
