“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
In September I will be embarking on the journey of my lifetime as a full time missionary for 11 months in 11 countries. I can honestly say that this opportunity is a huge blessing and a dream come true. I have a passion for helping people, learning about other cultures, and most importantly sharing the love of Christ with people from around the world. It is crazy to look back and reflect on the past three years at Stout and track how this passion grew with each passing year.
It was sophomore year and I was an RA in Fleming Hall. My first resident was arriving a couple days early; her name was Nicola and she was from China. Throughout that year I learned more about the Chinese culture than I would have ever imagined. As I invited Nicola to go to the pumpkin patch, accompany me at a Christmas party, or celebrate Easter with my family in Iowa, I began to absorb this joy and enthusiasm for sharing the American culture with her. Part of my personal culture was living a Christian lifestyle, a lifestyle different than some of my peers.
From that point on I was hooked. I began to help Jenna, a dear friend of mine who also shared a passion for befriending international students, with the Bridges program. Over the next two years I learned more about the culture, language, and customs of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Nepal, Thailand, Ethiopia, and Brazil from my dear friends who have impacted my life more than they know. Being involved with Bridges also taught me a valuable lesson about service and love. I know that I cannot through my own strength change any one person’s belief. I can however, share God’s love for my friends by allowing Him to use me as a vessel in all that I do.
Ok. So by now you have probably reached the point where you are like “Sarah, I thought this blog was supposed to be about the World Race, not a recap of your college experience.” To that I say, “You are right! So let me begin now, because it is all related!”
In May, I plan to graduate with a four year degree in Retail Merchandising and Management. It may not come as a surprise that although I do have a big interest in this field, I have an even greater passion for serving people from around the world. I looked at this open time in my life as an opportunity to act on this passion in a way that would challenge me to grow beyond classroom academics. I have been blessed with making connections with people from around the world that came to me, but now it is my turn to go to them!
I understand, solely because I have been informed by others, that I have been blessed to live in America. I have had opportunities and basic necessities provided for me that some will never have or see in their lifetime. The majority of the world does not live as I have lived for the past 22 years of my life. Now it is time for me to fully comprehend this by living with the majority; as they live and how they live.
I believe the World Race will help me understand this. For 11 months I will be living a simple life as I serve and build relationships with people in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, China, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Romania, and Ukraine. My service will look different in each country, but one thing will remain constant; my purpose to share the love that God has shown me with the women, children, and men I meet in these places.
As I patiently wait for the next 8 months to pass I am mixed with a slew of emotions. I am excited, nervous, overjoyed, anxious, and stressed. If you are reading this blog post I would love to have you join me in prayer as I prepare mentally, spiritually, and physically for this wonderful opportunity God has blessed me with.
Thank you for reading and I will have more post to come in the passing months, so stay tuned!
With love,
Sarah
