Some people might call the aligning of the small details in our lives coincidences, but, like my dad, I like to think of them as God-incidences. I never used to think I had much of a testimony to share, but as I was hand washing my clothes the other day, I had time to reflect on the miraculous ways God has orchestrated the details of my life thus far. I stood in awe, soaking in his loving presence and provision every step of the way. He really has given me a testimony, and I’d like to share a part of it with you. Let’s start back in 1998…
- After graduating from college, I confess that I did not have a close relationship with the Lord. So, when I was asked to counsel at Lake Louise church camp, I said no. Somehow, I still ended up at the first camp planning meeting, and, at camp, I rededicated my life to Christ!
- For eight years, I was involved in my church’s camping and youth ministries.
- When, due to circumstances outside of my control, that season came to a close, I felt a bit lost. I was out on a walk praying when I heard God’s voice telling me he wanted me to go on a long term mission trip. I said, “OK!”
- I did my research and signed up for a trip through my church. They required a weekend of training which took place at Wesley Woods camp. One of the other attendees was flying in from Texas and needed a ride from the airport. Living just 15 minutes from the airport, I offered.
- That’s when I met my friend Carolyn. By the time we arrived at the training 45 minutes later, everyone thought we had been friends for years!
- While I went to Mexico for four months, Carolyn went off to Nigeria for a year. After we both had returned, we still kept in touch and visited each other a couple times.
- A couple years later, Carolyn went to El Salvador to teach for two years. I again felt God tugging on my heart, urging me into missions, and I spent hours researching options, completely overwhelmed. My friend, Marium reminded me that it doesn’t need to be that hard. "If God wants you to do something, he’s going to make it easy." So, I stopped trying, and just like that, I heard about Orphan Outreach through my friend, Kristy. They had a trip to Guatemala that sounded just perfect!
Eating pupusas with Carolyn and Jalile in El Salvador - In 2012, I went to Guatemala for a week, and I then flew to El Salvador for a couple days to visit Carolyn. While there, I met her friend, Jalile, and we all laughed together over plates full of pupusas!
- A few weeks after getting back from my trip, I was debriefing with Kristy and shared with her that I felt God was preparing me for longer term missions. I also shared that I felt that I needed formal training before going, and I was interested in studying how to teach English.
- When I got home that night, I found a card in my mailbox telling me about Cornerstone University’s on-line graduate program in teaching English to speakers of other languages! I took that as a sign, and I started the registration process right away!
- While in graduate school, I went to Guatemala for another week-long trip, and when I came home, I knew for sure that my next trip would be long term!
- It was then that I read in Orphan Outreach’s prayer e-mail update about the need for an English teacher at Jubilee Centers International in Honduras.
- I was put in touch with the director, Emily Romero, who “just happens to be” from Grand Rapids! We were able to get together while she was in Michigan over the holidays.
With Emily Romero in Tegucigalpa, Honduras - In August of 2014, I went to visit Jubilee Centers International, and by September, I was sure that that was where God was sending me.
- As I was preparing to move to Honduras, I remembered that Carolyn’s friend Jalile—the one I’d met in El Salvador—is from Honduras, so I sent her a message wondering if she’d even remember who I am!
- She sent me a very warm reply, and offered to be available if I needed anything.
- When my friends Amy, Matt, Marium, and Jason all came to visit me in Honduras, Jalile went above and beyond to ensure we saw some of the most beautiful parts of her country, and just recently, she and I spent several days touring other areas of Honduras. (Did I mention that Jalile runs her own travel agency?! http://www.hondurasturismo.com/)
With Matt, Amy, Jason, and Marium in Punta Sal, Honduras - Not only did Jalile and I take in the historical and natural beauty of Honduras, but we talked, encouraged each other, empathized with each other, and perhaps planted seeds in the other’s heart.
- This is just the beginning of my story, of the tapestry that God is weaving together just for me; I can’t wait to see which colors and designs he works in next!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…” Ephesians 3:20-21
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