Why would I go on a mission trip?
Everyone keeps asking me this. Let me tell you, I’m just as surprised as you are. About a month or maybe a month and half ago, I thought I was going to get a new job. I needed a new job. I wasn’t making enough money and was really frustrated with my financial state. Of course I love the job I have! It just wasn’t paying enough.
I looked for an additional job. I even had an interview. I won’t tell you where I applied, but I will tell you, I was overqualified for this job. However, they never called me back after my interview.
I felt upset and concerned about my future. Would I ever be financially secure? I ruminated on this for weeks.
Fast forward to July 25th. My sister came home that night from her 11n11. She had just completed the World Race. I was glad to have her home. But something was stirring in me.
Was God telling me something? I became increasingly curious with the World Race. What was it all about after all? I googled it, read blogs, asked my sister questions, and pestered my sister when she almost ran out of patience with me.
I took a quiz online that asked if I had what it takes to be a World Racer. It said I did. Then I got my first email, of what would be a long strand of emails, from adventures in missions. I didn’t think I actually wanted to do the World Race, but something told me to apply.
I didn’t apply. I couldn’t sleep though. I actually couldn’t sleep for 3 nights. That’s when I knew God was telling me to apply. Although in my mind, I was clearly disqualified from ever being a missionary. So I filled out the application but didn’t send it or pay the fee. I barely had any money. I couldn’t afford the fee I rationalized. Then I told my sister about it.
She said “If God asked you to give $39 to the church would you?”
“Of course” I replied.
“Then pay your application fee.”
That was a pretty sound arguement so I submitted my application and paid the fee. That night I could sleep. I felt at peace instead of restless. It was beautiful. It all boils down to a lesson in obedience. Sometimes God wants us to do things we’re uncomfortable with. But when you step out on faith, it’s not as uncomfortable afterall. God wants me to do this, to give up what I have. He wants me to do the opposite of getting an additional job. He wants me to volunteer for nearly a year.
Yes, God. I will go.
To be honest, I’m more than a little excited about His plan for me. This is going to be an exhilarating and terrifying adventure. But its what I’m supposed to do. It just feels right.
