Why Missions?

It was always mom, missionary, or teacher. From the time I could remember those were the three things I wanted to be. As I’ve gotten older, the teacher one might’ve dwindled a little, but the possibility of being all three is also very real. At such a young age, when my mind was young, innocent, and naïve all I could think about was being a missionary. No, I didn't know much about the missionary lifestyle. I didn’t know all of the challenges you face, but you know what I did know was that He was comfort, love, and protection. And it’s a sweet deal to share about something so life-changing and travel all in one.

Fast forward many years, I was in middle school. And in my class I was told we had this big project we had to do and it revolved around our profession. I told my teacher that I wanted to do my project and everything about being a missionary, that would be my profession, and she told me that’s not a job. It’s not sustainable. I've always been a pretty vocal kid, just pretty vocal in general, but I was talking to my mom one day and she said that year I stopped talking about being a missionary. We go through different stages in life and at that moment, I begin to believe what my teacher believed. That it wasn’t a sustainable job and so I moved on.

High school came around the corner and it went by in the snap of a finger. And then high school began to come to an end. And then all the teachers, your community, your family asks you what’s next? I hated this question. I still don’t like it. I literally wrote a speech on it. But there was something inside me that knew what I was going to do. As much as it is nice to just go to college, marry a guy, and start a family I knew that’s not what I was supposed to do right away. And just like that the word, missionary resurfaced. And I’m not saying doing all those things in that order is a bad thing, it was just not what God’s plan for my life was. I had the amazing opportunity to go to Kona for three months and learn so much I mean so much. I grew up in the church and knew all the stories and all the right things to say but I didn’t fully grasp them. I personally needed to go into a time of discerning and praying and figuring out and redefining my relationship with God, my walk as a Christian for myself, apart from the community that I am from and apart from my family. Afterward, I had the opportunity and privilege to go to Peru and serve and love the people of Peru. I had an amazing team that taught me so much from their life experiences, their cultures, and their revelations. And don’t get me wrong. It’s a trying time living with 14 other human beings that you did not grow up with or know for a long time. But some of the sweetest moments come from the uncomfortable, the unknown, and others.

After lots of prayers, lots of discerning, and lots of waiting on the Lord I have decided to dedicate the next few years of my life to missions. It was actually a crazy story of how God revealed exactly at his perfect timing as always my future. And I know he has a plan and a purpose for every single one of your futures. For me, I am entering a time of refinement, of full surrender, of learning to let go of control and trust. I am beyond excited to start this new journey.

It’s going to be beautiful whatever it may be.