So I was clearing out all the files off my parents old computer they are getting rid of, and in the process came across the following essay I wrote during my senior year of high school.
As I cross the border into Matamoros, Mexico, I realize that this is more than just entering into a foreign country, its almost as if I am entering another world. At first it seems not so different from where I live, but the farther I got into the country the more I realized how different it truly is. I was with a group of about fifty people from my church to teach them about Jesus Christ and to share how much God loves them. Looking back though I think I learned a lot more that week than I taught to anyone else.
While in Matamoros we had a youth day where we played games with the kids, gave them pizza, and had a skit about how Jesus saves. When I saw the smiles on their faces everything seemed to make sense into why I was there, just to love them. Regardless of the language and culture barriers, just by looking at the peoples faces of Mexico you could tell they were in need of something. I never would have thought that one trip could change my outlook on life forever, but it seems it has, to me this was more than just any trip that last only for a moment then becomes a mere memory, for it was the beginning to a whole new way of life. Going on that mission trip, made me want to think about going into missions for awhile after college. I’m not sure what I will do but I hope to find that out while in school. At this point in my life I just want to be where God wants me to be, and doing what God wants me to be doing.
In the midst of the all the good byes, the countless runs to REI, and the last minute packing and re-packing in order figure out how exactly to keep my pack below 40lbs, it has been easy to get distracted by all the stuff. While I'm sure I forgot something off the packing list, what I don't want to forget is why I'm doing this in the first place.
Though a lot in my life has changed since I wrote that essay, it is a good reminder of where God has taken me, and that somethings never change, because through everything else I still want to be where God wants me to be, and doing what God wants me to be doing. I guess sometimes it takes reading something I wrote five years ago, for me to put things into perspective.
SUPPORT UPDATE:
It is true what they say, our God is a God who provides, and through your support this month I have raised over $2,000! This brings my support account to a total of $8,600. I can't thank each of you enough for all the support you have given me these past few months. You are all a constant reminder of how blessed I am, and that I am not on this journey alone.
Subject To Change:
It appears part of my route has changed, so instead of going to Tanzania my squad and I will be going to Rwanda, and in place of Vietnam we are going to be going to Thailand.
So Here is the breakdown of my new route:
Kenya
Uganda
Rwanada
Thailand
Cambodia
Malaysia
Philippines
China
Ukraine
Challenge Europe
Romania
