I have felt called to serve as an international missionary since I was very young. God laid this calling on my heart when I was just twelve years old serving on a pre-teen mission trip. At first I was scared and nervous about this uncertain calling and all that it entailed. By wresting with this calling, it caused me to develop a deeper trust that God could work through my weaknesses. Eventually, when I was fifteen years old I submitted to God’s will and committed to a life-long service of international missions wherever God would lead me.

 

I always imagined that I would be a missionary in Africa somewhere. When I thought of missions, I thought of Africa. After spending a month in Kitale, Kenya after my freshman year of college I was certain that Kenya was my future. However, over the past few years God as continued to closed doors to return to Kenya. This caused me to become angry with God and frustrated that I was unable to return to the county I loved so dearly.

 

I first met Iulian Avremescu, the director of LIFE Romania, when I was a Junior in High School. For three years in a row he asked me to come serve in Romania and every time I kindly declined. Finally, as an incoming junior in college I decided to go to Romania as my last option of summer internship. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to confirm that I was called to Kenya. I went to serve at their camp as a counselor and a member of the worship team. After one week of serving in western Romania, I felt God working in my heart. He showed me that so often I try to fit my plans or will inside God’s will instead of slowing down and seeking God’s will every step I take.

 

 I returned to work at LIFE Romania’s winter camp later that year, and then took on an even larger role serving as an administrative intern the next summer in 2018. During this summer I asked God to give me wisdom on my next steps in life and what He wanted me to do. He reveled to me through gifts and skills that He has blessed me with that matched with the needs of the ministry that there was a place for me in Romania to serve Him. Through lots of prayer and seeking of wise counsel, I decided that I would move to Bucharest, Romania to serve as an American liaison with LIFE Romania. I am so excited to see where God will lead me and all that He will teach me in these next few years. I am thankful for the path that has taken me here and all the growth that has taken place for me to be prepared to serve Him vocationally.