We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip.  Here is my story: it all started when I was 15 and, on a whim, I signed up for my church's missions trip to Red Bird, KY that they go on every two years.  Since I was only 15, technically, I could only go if a parent accompanied me, but that was not a problem because my dad was supposed to come as well.  Unfortunately, five days before we left, my father slipped on the stairs and ended up injuring his back pretty severely.  His body would not have been able to even endure the 8 hour car trip it took to get there.  Though now I was nervous, being the youngests and without a parent to rely on, I soon realized that I was surrounded by tons of mothers and fathers, and older brothers and sisters.  It was on that trip that God gave me a passion for missions work, not only for the benefit it can provided for the people being ministered to, but also for the growth which can achieved within the group and for the insight which the peole I claim to be helping provide me with.

   Though I have done several other week-long missions trips, I always find that when the time comes to return home, I get a little frustrated.  I feel that I have just begun to understand the people, the environment, and the problems, and I am forced to leave.  That is why I am so excited about this trip.  I cannot wait to get there and to begin to get to know these wonderful people.  I searched for a long time trying to find the trip God was calling me towards this summer and every moment I spent researching this one, I became more and more certain this is where God wants me to be.  I do realize, however, that probably when the time comes for us to pack up our sleeping bags and catch our plane, I am going to feel that I need to stay just a little bit longer.