The first time I heard Him say "go" I was a measly 13 year-old 8th grader trying to figure out life. The trip was a 3 day mission to Mexico where we partnered with YWAM Homes of Hope to build a house for a family. When my youth pastor invited me to go, my first thought was, "I don't think I'm ready or equipped for that." However, God had other plans. My best friend convinced me to go with her and thus started the process of getting my passport and fundraising for the trip.

Fast forward to our launch date, I was gripped with anxiety. What if I wasn't good enough? Not wise enough? No help to the team? Was I too young? All these fears circled my mind as I climbed onto the van to start the long drive to the airport.

When we first crossed the border to Mexico, excitement (mixed with a bit of uncertainty) bubbled up. The fears from the morning had subsided and were replaced with a sense of awe, excitement, and anticipation for what God would do. The next morning we arrived at the job-site and met the family. They showed us their current living conditions: a tiny, one room house featuring scrap wood walls, a dirt floor, and a single bed, with a few other small commodities. To a 13 year-old girl who'd never left the country I was taken aback, how did people with so little radiate so much joy?

Throughout this trip I was both challenged and grown in so many ways. Glimpses of God's grace were everywhere, both in the little things like fun snacks, new friends, and lots of laughter; and in bigger ways such as the family's endless joy, the unity in our team, and the house itself.

Fast-forwarding again towards the end of the trip, the family had just returned from their Walmart trip to stock the home, and the rest of us had just finished adding all the finishing touches to make the house a home. We all stood in a circle outside the house where we prayed for the family and their new home. After this, the key was given to the father and for the very first time he unlocked his door and led his family inside. The rest of us stood outside and after a few minutes we had the honor to knock on the door and be invited in as the very first guests in a brand-new home. The family's eyes lit up as they got to invite us into their home where we shared a meal, prayed, and worshipped. Why do I share this? Well, this memory alone is what drove me into pursuing missions further. The joy of being part of Kingdom work, the feeling of sharing this excitement with brothers and sister in Christ, and most of all the impact the family had on my life, their endless joy, gratitude, and hospitality drove me to chase the heart of Christ into the nations. The Lord showed up again and again to ease my fears and build my trust in Him. Isn't He just so faithful?

Now, that was the first of 5 short term missions I had the opportunity of serving on through my middle/high school career. If I shared all the highlights from all these trips you'd be reading a book. So to save you time, I'll share a particular thought from these trips that drove me to the Race.

On one particularly intimidating trip to Costa Rica, I was feeling unequipped, unready, and not strong enough to lead the team I was supposed to lead. After sharing these feelings with one of my wisest, sweetest friends she reminded me that "Christ doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called." This statement sunk so deeply into my heart and reminded me, who am I to take the place of God? If He calls me to go, He will provide the strength needed. He will make a way, He will provide, and He alone will equip His disciples for Kingdom work, we must only bring our "yes Lord."

So as I embark on this journey, heading to Spain, Romania, Greece, Nepal, Vietnam, and Cambodia, I trust the Father to guide my steps and be my Rock. All I will do is bring my "yes Lord, send me." I'm excited to see how He moves, what doors He opens, and how He will show up in both the unexpected and the mundane. I would love if you joined me in prayer over this adventure and I look forward to walking this journey alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remember the words of Jesus, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." (Luke 10:2).

Thank you for reading and from the words of Paul, "The grace of Lord Jesus be with you all."