Since I was a little girl, I had a dream of constructing a “happy project.” I was convinced that I would go to school to study “happiness” and after that visit the happiest countries in the world to see what they’re doing differently. After my studies and traveling, the plan was to come back to the States and open my very own “happy house” where I could put to practice the things that I learned.
I have always had an uncanny amount of joy; that was given straight from sweet Jesus Himself. But eventually the lies of the world consumed me. I never thought my dreams would be possible, so I started to think of other options like being an interior designer, or teacher.
Senior year rolled around. My heart for missions, people, the Lord, and travel only escalated. I still applied to colleges, but by October the Lord made it extremely obvious to me that I craved more of Him and less of this world. I couldn’t contain the love my sweet Jesus gave any longer, and I was eager to share it with the world.
I looked up “Christian gap years” and applied to the first program I saw: The World Race. It is a 9 month mission trip traveling to 5 different countries with 40 plus other teenagers. “Seems legit,” I thought, and about a year later I hoped on a plane to Cambodia with a bunch of strangers who shared the same enthusiasm about Jesus as I did.
I began to fall in love with different cultures, living in community, and learning more about God’s complexity.
On month 5 of The Race, the Lord reminded me of my childhood dream. The Lord had been speaking to me about being sunshine and how my purpose in life is to share my joy and live for Him. He gave me a new dream, which is this: to bring my sunshine to untouched nations, build personal relationships, and love unconditionally. My vision is to create a business (Building Sol) to support my travels. I will post blogs about my stories, sell merchandise, and do whatever the Lord asks of me.
I want to be the light the Lord calls me to be and invite anyone on this journey with me. Without fear I will walk where the Lord blows me. I will go to countries where hopelessness reigns and share of the treasures I find.
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat fall to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life must lose it.” John 12:23-25
I pray to die to my worldly dreams and live for the spiritual ones He has instilled in me. I will go wherever He will lead me. I will lose my life so the harvest can be plentiful, and His name can be glorified. I ask for prayers and encouragement as I launch this project!
