The Lord gave me a mission over a year ago, and in March I went to fulfill that mission.
I graduated early from HS in '09. I had intended on going to college so I would be done sooner, since I wanted to be an Anesthesiologist at the time and it was going to take about 10 years to graduate!! eeeeh! Well, long story short, I basically dropped almost all my classes that first semester and didn't pursue becoming an Anesthesiologist. God, obviously, had a different plan. That next semester I didn't go back to school, but instead followed Gods call on my life at the time to go serve Him in Niger, Africa. SO happy that I did!
The whole thing was so perfectly planned by Him! It's nearly impossible to explain all the details that went on in preparation for my departure. But, I left this American dream on March 15th 2010, not knowing how different my life would be when I returned.
Upon arrival in Niger I was welcomed by the most loving family I have ever known and spent the next 6 weeks of my life with them. DEFINITELY some of the best weeks of my life!
Okay, so, it's extremely important that I tell you... I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I went to Africa. Whew! I don't think I could have been prepared even if I had had read a book on "How to be prepared for serving the Lord in Niger." HAHA! I didn't have any clue what it was going to be like and just tried my best to not have any expectations for it because I figured if I did I would be disappointed in some way that it wouldn't be anything I expected it to be.... and that would have been a correct guess! I'm so thankful to God for allowing me to go with an open heart and mind for serving Him, I would have had no chance of doing it without Him!
Well, one of my first struggles (and one that lasted the whole trip) was the language barrier. I didn't know any of their language so I couldn't just talk to them like I wish I could have. Thankfully, though, I was blessed with an incredible translator. Adamou is a Christian guy who had such a genuine heart for the Lord. He has lived in Niger all his life and has a beautiful family! He has a passion for God and has no problem showing it.
My first week there was the most challenging of all. I had jet-lag for a couple of days and was sick and couldn't go out into the villages to do anything. There was a group that flew out the same time I did and they were working with S&K (my host family) for the first 10 days. Once I got well, I joined the group in their adventures out into the bush. We went somewhere everyday and stayed the night out there as well, which was a challenge in itself! It was hot, dry, there were no bathrooms, no showers, no toilets... basically, it was miserable. But all-in-all, I loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade anything for it.
God stretched me in the weirdest of ways and used S&K to get me out of my comfort zone. I look back now and wish I would have done more, but I know that God knew my heart and knew that it would take time. I do feel like there was more I could have accomplished, but I also feel extremely confident that God will send me back to finish my work there. And I can't wait!!! :)
My trip to Africa was challenging, but the best experience of my life! And now I pray for others that if God calls anyone to go serve Him somewhere in the world, that they wouldn't hesitate to go. It may be inconvenitent, seemingly impossible, not the "right time" or whatever, but honestly, guys, it's not about us, and I would hate to see anyone hear the voice of the Lord and refuse to follow His call.
Blessings to all!
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