As three gunshots were fired, I looked to the sky waiting for the colorful explosion of fireworks of which I thought made that noise. Everyone dropped to the ground, and then it was silent. Who would have thought that a mission trip to Jamaica would be so life changing?
About a year ago I participated on my second mission trip, the Holy Week Mission Trip to Kingston, Jamaica, organized through my high school. On this trip I met a little boy named Bob. Bob is living proof that God has a plan for our lives. He is the survivor of two abortion attempts and was found in a trashcan on the side of the road when he was only months old. When I met him, he was five years old, no taller than two feet, with only a right arm and left leg, but he was the sweetest most loving little boy I have ever met. The thing about Bob was that he didn’t care who you are or what you look like, he loved every single person he encountered. He taught me a lot about myself, and how I want to be that person to everyone I encounter. We never did learn what those gunshots were all about. According to our host, it’s not uncommon in the dangerous parts of Jamaica, but that doesn’t take away from how much it opened my eyes to world outside my little bubble.
This trip has led me to the decision I have made for the next year of my life. I have decided that after graduating high school in May, I will be taking a gap year to follow God’s calling and do mission work prior to entering college. I will be going on a 9 month mission trip called The World Race through the Adventures in Missions Organization. “The World Race is a stretching journey to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw community.” Leaving in September 2018 I will travel to Costa Rica, South Africa, Thailand, and Myanmar to spread God’s love and serve others like Bob who are in serious need of help. In order to be fully prepared for this trip I am in need of spiritual and financial support. My financial goal is about $16,000 which I will be fundraising throughout the next six months leading up to my departure. If you are interested in hearing more about my story or in donating, please subscribe to my blog (check out the about page) or email me at [email protected]! If you would like to give a one-time or monthly donation, you can use Zelle to send funds to my email which will transfer to my secure fundraising account or donate directly through my blog. I ask you to please consider partnering with me whether it be prayerfully or financially, everything helps. Thank you 🙂
