Have you ever felt compelled to do something, but you’re not sure why? Have you ever been terrified to answer the calling inside of you, even when you know you’ll regret it if you don’t? The Moana lyrics pop into my head every time I think about these things.
All of these feelings have been boiling inside of me for years. I have always been a follower of Jesus, and I have always had a desire to help others and travel the world. However, I never knew how to accomplish all of these things. When I first started graduate school for my Master’s in teaching, I saw an advertisement on Facebook for the World Race. I was so interested in this concept of a year-long mission trip, traveling the world, and reaching others, but, when I saw the price, I thought it was a scam! Honestly. As fate would have it, a few weeks after I saw the ad, I learned that I couple I knew, from years ago, was going on the trip. I followed their journey every step of the way, and knew immediately that I was going to go. I finished graduate school and began my career as a teacher, but the whole time, I had this trip in the back of my mind. I started saving money, and 5 years later, I am ready.
Finding my passions and my place in life has been a constant struggle for me. While everyone around me seemed to have it all together, I was always floating in a Purgatory of dreams. But there has always been this one consistent tug–mission work. Every summer since high school I have been going on mission trips with my church, and any chance I get to enter a place to help others, I’m there. The concept of Luke 12:48 really sinks in with me. “From everyone whom has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one whom has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” While I may not know my exact place in this world, I do know I am very grateful and fortunate for all I do have. Therefore, I always feel this constant desire to give others the same gifts that have been bestowed upon me.
I cannot wait to see what this journey has in store for me, and I hope that you all will follow along with me as well. For when we go there’s just no telling how far we’ll go.
