Why

The most asked question regarding my upcoming Brazil trip is, ‘what led you to this organization?’, so I figured I would give some background on the why behind this trip. Over the years I have participated in multiple shorter term mission trips. Because they were very short term, I was not able to have the lasting impact I wanted nor build the connections I had hoped for. These were great opportunities, but I was looking for something more. So, years ago, I had been looking into longer term mission trips and the World Race organization piqued my interest. Seeing that they were known for their 11 month trips, but also had shorter trips available, I was so intrigued! I did some research on the experiences the World Race offered, but before I dove too much deeper I said, “That’s great, but I’ll never have time for something like that”. So I let it go, years went by, and I ended up contracting into a 4 year enlistment with the Marine Corps. My future looked very bright as He continued to open doors. However, as I had been continually praying that His will be done, not mine, I tore my labrum which requires a year’s recovery time. The military dropped my contract while offering me the opportunity to attempt a recontract a year from my September procedure date. Although I was grateful that the door to my military career was not necessarily closed forever, just temporarily, this roadblock was still extremely difficult for me as my patience and trust in God and His timing were tested. While struggling with the news, I knew I could not sit around and wait for a year… I am not a very patient person. He once again placed in my heart the World Race organization and the opportunities they offered. After looking over the upcoming trip opportunities, the summer semester trips were brought to my attention. After much prayer and consideration, I applied to the two-month Brazil trip that takes place over the months of June and July. I truly believe the Lord has called me onto this mission, and although I have no idea what He has in store for me, I trust that all that I am and have are rested in His hands. Psalms 91 says it best, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.” My why behind this trip is to grow closer to my savior, and to offer others the opportunity for them to experience the same refuge that He has provided me. His grace and salvation are too good not to share! As believers, we are all called to draw nearer to Him in every new day as well as reflect His light so that others may get the opportunity to experience His love and goodness as well. While He called me to go all the way to Brazil to serve in His ministry, I encourage you to pray about which direction He is calling you in. My prayer for you is that you would find the specific purpose He has given you, because we all have one. I hope you will find your why.