“It’s not about what you want to do Marisa,” I was sitting across from my great mentor, friend and World Race Alum, Jolene Campbell one night after a long Sunday. I looked up at her, confused as she finished her sentence “It’s about who you want to be.”
Who I want to be I thought, taking a bite of my frozen yogurt a great future wife, daughter, worker, and *gasp* my eyes widened potential Mother?! I had never heard of that concept before, but sitting in front of her then, it made total sense.
Leaving all I know behind and starting a new chapter of life, to travel the world and serve God’s people, to spend a year of my life dedicated to growing deeper in my relationship with Jesus and develop my leadership, it’s the most perfect opportunity.
But I was scared. So scared.
After high school, I devoted my life to the local church, South Hills. Did two and a half years interning and then got hired to be on staff, and even before then, at 16, serving in the youth ministry. Lord, is this really what you want for me?
So I did what I felt called to do, I applied and after an extensive interview and application process was accepted onto The World Race, a missions program that will allow me to go to 11 different countries in 11 months and with a team of people, share the Gospel of Jesus and show His love. I will build, mold, teach, mentor, lead, follow, and pray with and for people. It’s the most incredible opportunity and every time I think about it, my heart glows with possibility and great expectations.
My conversation with Jolene happened almost 2 months ago, and today, when my Pastor and boss announced of my transition in a staff meeting, I knew there was no going back. “It’s happening,” I kept telling friends and co workers that congratulated me “It just became 10 times more real, it’s officially official!”
I know this next season will be crazy, filled with fundraising, working, blogging and meetings, but I also know I serve a God bigger than my wildest dreams, He’s led me this far, and he isn’t stopping any time soon. As long as I remain faithful, obedient, and loyal, the Father’s blessings have no limits.
I want to thank those who have already shown immense support. You know you are (; thank you for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you for your love, for asking me the tough questions and for challenging me, you’re making me better and I am forever thankful.
So- here we go! I’ll be blogging here on a consistent bases where you can keep track of my journey, what fundraisers I’ll be hosting and other crazy things God is doing in my life. I still have 6 months here in the good ol’ USA so I better start eating every great western meal I can before I commit to rice and beans for 11 months.
Gonna go eat a burger now,
M
