How in the world did this end up being my story? Sometimes when I take a minute and look at how God has brought me here to this moment in my life, it seems unreal that He has called me to serve Him in such a way. Let’s rewind for a second and I’ll tell you the story of how long it took me to realize that God’s plan is perfect.
I came across this trip about a year ago during my senior year of high school in 2012 and knew that this is what God had called me to do. Suddenly it made sense why I felt no peace about choosing a college, because God didn’t want me to go (not saying never, just for now). When I presented the idea of this trip to my parents, they didn’t think of it the same way I did. They said I was too young to do it. Since I was only 17 at the time (turning 18 during the trip) I needed their permission to go. After praying, pleading, and many tears on my part they still said no, you’re too young. So I never applied for the trip.
During the next year I was so confused. Why had God closed a door I felt so certain He wanted me to walk through? I attempted to plan another mission trip that eventually fell through. I was still just as confused and frustrated as ever. I decided to look at the AIM website again for the first time in months. While on there I read a blog that was talking about God’s timing. The girl was talking out how God allows things to happen only in His perfect timing. Suddenly it seemed as though I had misinterpreted what God told me about the Gap Year Trip. He didn’t say no, He said wait and trust me.
So I waited and prayed for months until the trip posted in October. Again I felt confident that this is what God wanted me to do. After praying some more I applied and was accepted to go a few weeks later!
I know why God told me to wait. He wanted me to know and trust that His timing is truly perfect.
So here I am, preparing to go on a 9 month mission trip to Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. I overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness in getting to this point, and am excited to see what He has in store for me this next year.
