"How
did you hear about this organization?" or "what made you decide to do
this?" are some of the first questions I get asked when people find out
I'm going. Therefore, I decided it is important for me to share about
what inspired me and what currently motivates me to go to Togo.
It begins with a commitment I made over 9 years ago. It was a commitment
to love, serve, and give my entire life to God no matter what. I fell
short many, many times of this promise because of doubts, disobedience, and
pride, but God is gracious, forgiving, and beyond amazing. He showed me
how to become compassionate towards people, the way He is compassionate towards
me. He put on my heart an interest in healthcare as means to
serving those around me, an interest that I have been pursing ever since.
Fast
forward like 7 years. Basically, that's going from 8th grade to a sophomore in
college…
I
was walking in Davis with Catiy Kitsen, an inspirational, young lady.
Catiy was telling me about her mission trips. This girl was only 19 and
had been to Africa and rural parts of Australia, served in orphanages and was
sharing the Gospel with those around her. That was crazy for me to hear!
"I
wish I could do something like that,” I told her. Her reply really stirred
something in my heart.
"Look,
you can. You just have to want to. God used me. He can use you.
You just have to be willing and
listen to His calling." Then, she asked me what I enjoyed.
I
told her I had a passion for the medical field, and she told me about Mercy
Ships, a Christian organization that is on a ship and travels to third world
countries to deliver healthcare.
It
really stuck with me. I went home and researched the organization. After two years,
ups and downs, encouragements and discouragements, prayers, and preparation,
God guided me through it all, and now I'm starting to literally pack my
bags!
The
most important lessons that I learned through this are that we need to have a
willing spirit to hear God's calling and become obedient to His will. The
journey to following God is difficult and has many trials, but it has blessings
and miracles. Even more, we have the privilege to be called faithful and obedient servants.
Be Blessed!
Here
is a link to one of my favorite songs :) enjoy
Ephesians
4:20 – 21
Now
to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to
his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
