The amount of preparation that has gone into this trip is crazy to me. Since I found out about this opportunity in January, I’ve spent a ton of time thinking about it! At first, I was very unsure about giving up the possibility of a nursing externship in order to spend my summer in Kenya. I knew that an externship would help me get good experience in the hospital, and possibly help with finding a job after graduation. At the same time, however, I found out about a friend who wanted to go to Kenya and work in a clinic for the summer. Immediately, my heart was filled with joy and excitement at this possibility.
Several months later, here I am, eagerly awaiting our departure. Although I have lots of friends going to serve overseas this summer, I realize that this trip is not “normal” or “safe” by American standards. I know it will be an incredible experience, and I will learn a lot about nursing/medical missions, but the only real reason I’m going is because God has planted this desire for missions in my heart that I cannot deny. He has provided the means, the plans, and the way. I am fully relying on Him, because I know my own skills are entirely insufficient. I’m depending on God’s guidance, protection, and most of all, His presence. I have faith in a great God, whose promises for us exist even when we step out of our comfort zone.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5: 6-7
