We all have different stories about how we were “called” to missions or to this particular trip. I think it is fascinating how God uses unique circumstances to reveal His purpose and plans to each of us. I know that makes it frustrating at times for people because we would like a more “cookie-cutter” explanation that was the same for each person. There are times when I wish it was like that too…but it is much more incredible that God works uniquely with each one of us.
To be honest I never had the inkling that I would one day be an overseas worker. My plan throughout high school was to obtain my social work degree and work in international adoption, taking a short-term missions trip every year or so. Well, to make a long story short God had completely different plans! Yes, I have a social work degree. Yes, I “worked” in international adoption if my college internship counts. However, God’s purpose was to send me to Costa Rica on a summer team and that was the turning point. I look back on my life now and am so excited and so grateful that God set my feet on this path. It has been beyond incredible! At the same time is humbling to think that God would use someone like me in other countries. I often ask–“Why me?” I guess I will never know that answer to that one except that it is God’s purpose and plan for my life.
But then how did I end up signing up for the WR Human Trafficking Edition trip? Well, about 5 years ago I watched a movie about human trafficking and it gripped me. It mad me angry and sick and desperate to do something! Since that time I have been actively trying to find out more about how to be involved in fighting against this horrible atrocity that is occurring all over the world, even in my own country. At the same time I had also started to develop an intense desire to travel to the countries of Thailand and Cambodia–which was odd because I have such a deep love for Latin America and really had had not previous interest in Southeast Asia or even Asia itself.
When I saw the opportunity appear I knew that I needed to pursue this…it was right. Everything started lining up and settling into place. I know in my heart that God has put my feet on this path. It won’t be easy and definitely will not be a garden of roses, but I know that He has a purpose and I’m humbled that He has put me on this adventure. But I still wonder–“Why me?”
