If you had told me a year ago that I would be going on a nine month mission trip when I graduated high school I would have never believed you.

I literally woke up one morning and thought to myself I don't want to go to college next year..I think I'll go to Africa instead. I began telling my friends and family that same day that I wanted to go on a mission trip. Even though none of them took me seriously at first I knew that God would not have put such a strong desire in me to work for Him in this way if it weren't meant to be.

When I went to bed that night all I could think about was going on this trip. I began praying about it and asking God that if it were His will for me to go on the trip He would work it out.

A lot changed during the time that I was thinking and praying about this trip. I no longer wanted to focus on my plans or the worlds plans for me. Instead, I started listening to what God had in mind for me. God has given me a burning passion for mission work. I am so excited to spread our God's healing love and life-giving Word to people all over the world.

I know that it will not always be easy; I will miss home, I will sometimes be selfish and want more than I have, and my heart will be broken when I have to say forever goodbye to my new friends. But I know that every hard time will be worth it. I know God will be right next to me in those times and He will work through me to do incredible things. I know that He has big plans for me, and I am so excited to see them play out.

 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11