If you know me personally at all or follow me on social
media, you are likely aware that 1) I have a heart for missions and Africa, and
2) I am returning to Africa for one year in a few months.
With that announcement to my friends and family, several
questions always arise. The purpose of this post is to address the most
commonly asked questions.
Where am I going?
The city of Manzini in the country of Swaziland, located in
southeastern Africa. I have been here twice before, most recently last summer
for two months with 34 other college students from the United States and
Canada. The average Swazi lives on less than two American dollars per day. It
is the most HIV prevalent country in the world, with 26% of adults infected (as
of 2012). The average life expectancy is 49 years. (Source: UNICEF) No, I will not get Ebola. No, there is no
political unrest in this peaceful, yet broken country.
What will I be doing?
I will be living and working at a girls’ home run by the
organization Hosea’s Heart. This home is a refuge for women rescued out of
prostitution and domestic violence. I will be serving as a mentor and counselor
to these women, as well as just helping out around the house. Responsibilities
might include cooking, cleaning, helping with schoolwork, leading Bible
studies, and leading worship.
How is this different from what I’ve done in the past?
For the past three summers, I have traveled with the
organization Adventures in Missions (an organization I highly recommend to
anyone interested in going on a mission trip). AIM’s primary ministry in
Swaziland is centered around children, and raising a generation of Christ
followers and leaders to help the nation rise from poverty and illness. While I
enjoy working with children and serving that ministry, I felt God had another
focus in mind for me, and I believe I have found that niche. I met Hosea’s
Heart and visited the girls’ home while I was in Manzini last summer, and I
fell in love with what they do. I am still very close with my friends working
with AIM in Swaziland, and I’m excited to maintain and utilize those
connections while working with this new ministry.
How long will I be gone?
I leave in June, and I will be gone for one year.
What will I do when I get back?
Seriously? I haven’t even left yet! However, this is still
something that crosses my mind from time to time. I will likely return to
Manhattan for at least a little while to reestablish myself in this community
and culture. My options are open – I could find a job with a church, I could
find a teaching job, or God might ask me to return to Swaziland (or another
part of the world).
How am I using my degree?
This question hurts my heart more than people realize. My
bachelor’s degree in music education is more than an expensive piece of paper
to get me a job. Over the past four years, I have learned invaluable skills in
time management and leadership. I have learned how to absorb knowledge and
wisdom in so many different settings, and I’ve learned how to apply it to my
life. I have learned how to have compassion for the world and people around me.
I have learned how to have an open heart and mind in this diverse society. I
can’t even attempt to put a price tag on the people I’ve met and the
relationships I’ve built. In short, I use
my degree every single day, because God has used this time in college to help
shape me into the woman I have become. Even if I never teach music after I
graduate in May, I do not regret spending the last four years of my life at
this institution.
How is preparation going?
Fundraising is always the biggest stressor, but everything
is going as smoothly as I could ask for right now. I am being even more
intentional with my time with God every day, and I can feel him growing me and
shaping me for this upcoming journey. It’s challenging balancing the spiritual
preparation for this trip with the completion of my degree (I’m student
teaching this semester, so there has been a lot on my plate every day). God is
patient with me, and I’ve learned to be patient and have grace for myself.
Preparation is going well.
How can I (you) help?
Prayer is always the biggest thing. Knowing I have
relational support here at home is what helps me the most emotionally. Pray for
the health and safety of our staff, for the preparation of our hearts for this
journey, and for the girls affected by this ministry. If you're interested in receiving a monthly newsletter while I'm gone, fill out this form!
How can I (you) donate?
If you feel led to help financially, you can visit here to give via PayPal (just let me know if you donate
online, so I can ensure the donation is placed in my account). I will need
about $9,000 to make this trip possible, and I have currently raised around
$2,500.
Am I ready?
Will I ever be ready? I am ready to totally surrender my
life to God and what He has called me to do. I am ready to be broken for the
sake of the Gospel. I am ready to learn what He will teach me in this next
chapter of my life.
