How I was called to the mission field

    Over the past few years, over-seas missions has become one of passions; the mysteries of another culture, the beauty in holding a hurting child, the rush of spreading the Gospel full-time… I could hardly wait until my next chance to be in a third-world country spreading the love of Jesus Christ!
      In the beginning of this school year, I had great ambitions for my next missions trip. I envisioned taking a year off before college to travel the world and test the waters of full-time over-seas mission work.  But, after various set-backs, I finally understood that God was closing that door.  He had bigger plans.
    Then, I decided that I should still take a semester off and do an AIM 3-month Real Life trip to India. I was so sure that this was what God wanted. I even felt like he was continually confirming it through divine signs.  But my parents were not so excited: they felt like I needed more experience before embarking on such an adventure.  After many heated discussions and confusing prayers, I finally accepted their decision.  I finally understood that God was closing that door.  He had bigger plans.  
    I had finally become content with the decision that I was going to be starting college in the Fall and that I was not going to be participating in a missions trip.  I was disappointed to be sure, but I was at peace.  Then, out of nowhere, AIM sent me an e-mail update about upcoming trips.  
    I quickly dismissed the e-mail, scolding myself, “Jodie! Stop lusting! God is going to make this happen in his time.  Don’t try to force it.” I pleaded, “Your summer is full, and your Fall plans are set.  An over-seas mission’s trip is not going to work out…”  
     But something made me go back to that e-mail.  I ended up stumbling upon the high school trip page and then I realized that AIM was offering two-week trips.  Miraculously, the trip dates fit perfectly into my schedule: in fact, they were basically the only two week that I had free the entire summer.  I was hesitant to bring it up to my parents again- we had argued too much already over my mission trip ‘ideas’.  To my surprise, however, my parents were fully supportive (after a little research, of course).  I signed up and was accepted.  

    I am secure, I am humbled, and I am ready.