My junior year of college I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Uganda with Spring Arbor University. I fell in love with the people, the culture, their passion, and their way of life. As soon as my I set foot in Uganda I knew my life was never going to be the same again. After returning home from Uganda God instilled a passion in me and burning desire to go back to the mission field. I was unsure of what this looked like, but I was excited to see what God had in store.
When I returned home from Uganda it was time to start applying for grad school to pursue a degree in physical therapy. Every time I went to apply for grad school I was very unsettled and did not have a peace about it. After praying about it I knew God had other plans for me and grad school was not in His plans at this time in my life. This was a very difficult thing for me to grasp because I had wanted to be a physical therapist since I was in 8th grade. I was nervous, confused and anxious about what God had in store for my future. I had no idea what I was going to do when I graduated and this was a very scary thing for me. When I began let go of my plans for the future this is when God started to show up.
Soon after graduating I got a job at a pharmacy. I did not seek this job out, but it just fell into my lap. I knew this is where I needed to be even if I didn’t understand why. Moving back to the town where I grew up I have been able to reconnect with my church family and have became a leader in the youth group. I have loved reconnecting with everyone and serving in the youth group where I grew up.
I knew I wanted to go back to the mission field and had tried contacting various people I knew working in Africa, but God kept closing every door. The moment it looked like I would be going back very soon, God’s answer was always wait. To be honest I did not want to wait, but now I am very thankful God closed those doors.
I had always loved the idea of going on the World Race, but it was always more of a dream. Then one day as I was praying the Word Race was set upon my heart again. After a few weeks of contemplating whether or not to apply, I finally sent in my application. Then the day came and the voice said over the phone, “Congratulations! You have been accepted to the World Race!” I was suddenly overwhelmed with a joy and peace because I knew this is exactly where God wanted me to be!
I am so excited for this next phase of my life as I prepare for the World Race! I know God has so much in store!
