Yay! You made it to my blog! Not only that, but you made it to my about me section so you get the joy of hearing all about the wonder that is Makayla Barlow, wink wink. Just kidding, I’ll try to keep you awake!
I am recently 23 years old and if I accidentally tell you I’m 22 I sincerely apologize, I’m not trying to lie about my age, I just forget, haha. I graduated last year with my associates in arts with the plan to transfer but I couldn’t decide on what I wanted to do with my life. Now God has blessed me to be part of something amazing that will with no doubt be a life changer! I currently work multiple jobs which include waitressing, working in an office, working a funnel cake stand with my family, and writing a little on the side (I don’t actually make any money for that last one but my nephew has faith).
My adorable nephew/nugget!
God has blessed me with two amazing parents that do well at keeping their super suits hidden. They are crazy humble and kind and I don’t know where they get the patience to deal with me and my 3 other siblings, I guess they were good at smiling through the pain. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother and when they weren’t convincing me to play angels with them, aka tying a rope around my waist in a closet and telling me to fly, we got along pretty well, haha. I really don’t know what I would do without my amazing, crazy family!
My amazing sisters!
There are so many things that I love to do! I love being outdoors, hiking, playing in mud puddles, climbing trees, basically if I’m outside I’m a happy camper. I love to write, usually really weird and goofy things. A love that I recently developed is painting! The messier the better!
I really became interested in missions when I was 16 and I went to El Salvador. It was such a humbling experience and it was so amazing to get to love on the kids and share the love and hope that is Jesus. I think we can get so caught up in stuff that we forget that our happiness shouldn’t be tied to things but to God and to see the joy that even a hug could bring did something in my heart.
Melvin from mission trip to El Salvador
Sometimes I wish that my spiritual journey was more… well spiritual. I got saved when I was 13 years old and I was already doing the things a Christian “Should” do but the problem was I didn’t have a real relationship with Christ. After I got saved I wasn’t in my Bible as much as I should have been and the devil started attacking and he started attacking hard. My faith was shaken. Instead of putting my faith in God I thought I could fix it on my own. People, it is never better on your own! I caused so much heartbreak and sorrow by taking it into my own hands. I recently rededicated my life to God and I’m giving Him full control, Praise Jesus!
This year to come my main goal is just to become more and more like Jesus! Galatians 2:20. I want to grow, in faith, in love, in understanding, in meekness. I don’t want to live my life for me, I want to live for God and share his love and hope with others!
I honestly have never felt so pulled to something the way I have felt pulled to the world race. Yes it is very exciting to be able to travel and experience different cultures but it is definitely not going to be a vacation. Something a lot of people don’t realize is that this is a little scary. It’s scary to be away from my family for so long, it’s scary not knowing what to expect. There, I said it, however, I feel SO blessed to have this amazing opportunity and I definitely don’t feel like the most qualified Christian but when I rededicated my life I said “here I am Lord, use me.” I refuse to let fear stand in the way of my relationship with God. Jeremiah 29:11 popped into my head while I was waiting for my phone interview and it’s been stuck in there pretty good since. God knows the plans he has for me and I know they are way better than any plans I can make for myself. Even though I’m a little terrified I am also SO stoked about this amazing opportunity and I cannot wait to see what God has in store.
There are several ways you can support me and be part of this awesome journey God has planned!
1. PRAYERS! I will definitely need a lot! especially for faith and strength.
2. Financial. This is a big trip and that means big money but God can open doors and provide!
3. Subscribe! Follow my blog and keep up with what’s going on around the world and we can witness together the amazing things God will be doing!
