rwanda

I am overwhelmingly intimidated and devastatingly excited about June. Here is a story...

When I was 16, God told me 'Africa.' I did not know how to comprehend that He wanted lowly me to go overseas in His name. That was something that other people did. Not me. I wouldn't be good at that.

I didn't want to acknowledge the obvious pull I had to missionaries and Africa, because it was just so terrifying to me - so I ignored it for a few months. I remember the feeling of fighting Him. He filled my dreams with images of the country and the Holy Spirit filled my heart with shame about my denial and ignorance. I fought until at last I had to give in to the overwhelming feeling of guilt. I was scared and angry, but I gave up. The moment when I surrendered those fighting feelings, I threw my hands up in the air and yelled 'OK!' That was the moment that all the terrifying feelings went away and it felt absolutely right.

I mean, I was still scared about EVERYTHING to do with being a missionary. 
Going somewhere that I didn't know the language, not having the comfort of my bed, not being able to use my phone, and no talking to my mommy. I was scared of the idea of leaving my country, being in a new environment, seeing things I have never seen before, and experiencing things I have never experienced. I had all of those terrifying things hanging over me, yet I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Relief that what I was doing was willed by the Lord and that He was going to take care of me in this. It felt so right and Christ gave me an extraordinary feeling of calmness. He reminded me daily that He was going use me for His glory.

I confided in a few friends and my youth leader about what God had put on my heart, and it became so real from that point on. There was no going back. I couldn't believe that God put a calling on my life to go to Africa. It was so surreal to hear something so clear from the Lord. I was happy and confused. Confused about how to pursue my calling and confused about what I was supposed to do. He never said what I would be doing, just why I would be doing it and where I needed to do it. He had a plan and I just needed to trust Him.

During those first few months of knowing my life's calling I was so encouraged by those around me. One night at a youth group event they all laid hands on me and prayed for my future ministry work. That was one of the most influential and meaningful nights of my life.

Over the years, while I was away at college, my good friend Tyler would send me Voice of the Martyrs magazines every few months to continue to encourage me. I did get lost for a while and I grew impatient for an answer as to what He wanted me to be doing.  I got frustrated and tried to just ignore the fact that Africa was still my calling, even though the Lord wasn't telling me anything about it yet.

Then I met Joshua. In the very beginning of our friendship we talked about Africa and how we both felt called there. I absolutely believe that Christ joined me with my husband so we could support each other in this wonderful calling on our lives. I am blessed to have a husband with a similar calling and passion.

I am so excited to say that I am going on my first trip this June. I have been waiting and anticipating and struggling and hoping it would happen. And now it is! It is real. I am blessed and so excited to experience this for myself.

We are partnering with Land of a Thousand Hills to go to Rwanda in the middle of the summer. We are going to be building relationships with coffee farmers and workers in Rwanda, and assisting them and loving them through the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

I am so thrilled. You can go here to read more about our story and to support our trip. Please keep us in prayer as we take our first step toward our calling in life.