I’m generally a very sarcastic person. Call it a defense mechanism or twisted sense of humor, but it’s who I am. So when I tell people that I will be leaving in July to backpack through 11 countries in 11 months they think I’m kidding. Once it sinks in that I’m being completely serious, the question that generally follows is “YOU are doing WHAT”?
Yes me.
The girl who still sleeps with a teddy bear. The girl who talks to her parents at least once a day and has never gone more than a few weeks without seeing them. The girl who gets anxiety if her bed isn’t made or if something is out of place. The girl who loves accessorizing outfits, painting her nails, and doing her hair.
But I’m also the girl who is afraid of complacency. I’m a girl with an innate desire to see the world and adventure through as many places as possible. I’m extremely empathetic and have a burning passion for helping and loving others in any way that I can. But above all, I’m a girl who has been called to be apart of something that is so much bigger than herself.
As I began looking into grad school programs earlier this year I felt that something was off. I knew it was the next logical step for me in life and would get me to where I had always dreamed of. The more I thought about it, however, the more uncomfortable I became with going right to graduate school. My entire 21 years of existence have been all about me. And while I know that this isn’t necessarily wrong by society’s standards, I felt an overwhelming need to serve others around the world before I do yet another thing for myself.
I looked into several different programs, but was led to Adventures in Missions from a friend who went on a trip with the organization and had an incredible experience. When I first read about the World Race I thought no way. Not for me. But after continued thought and prayer I decided to apply. Once I was accepted, I knew I was meant to embark on this mission.
While on the trip I will be doing a variety of different things. One month I could be assisting in a hospital or orphanage and the next I could be building a church. Some days we may even wander the streets to find people to help or minister to. We’re there to serve whatever the need may be. I’ll be with a team of 50 people broken up into groups of 6-8. Together we will abandon the traditional American lifestyle for 11 months of advancing the Kingdom on earth.
I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity. But I’m also scared and overwhelmed with questions. What if I don’t like being pushed so drastically out of my comfort zone? What in the world will a girl with severe gluten, dairy, and egg allergies find to eat? What happens when the longing for my family and friends (and dog) becomes unbearable? How am I going to hold up without a bed for 11 months? But as soon as these doubts enter my head, I’m quickly reminded of 1 Peter 4:11-13.
“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad- for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Yes, I’m going to miss the luxuries I have become accustomed to- a big bed to sprawl out in at the end of a long day, an airconditioned house to cool off in after a long run, the ability to talk to my family and friends instantly through a text message. But at the end of the day I know that it’s no longer about me. It’s about serving and loving others in order to bring glory to God.
I can’t thank y’all enough for your overwhelming support in my journey. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!
