The Lasting Effect

My self transformation over the past five years has dramatically shifted from a young girl who began mission work as a to-do list, but now a person who intentionally desires to go on mission specific trips and incorporate mission into my daily life in smaller aspects.

Even though I acknowledge, in my beliefs, that I am called to do such work, I firmly believe that it should be a personal desire primarily. No one can spark the fire in you- people can only lead you to it. Choosing to live your life for the benefit of others is a decision that I made around a year ago, and I am living proof that that was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

1) Know what truly matters in life

Usually distant from resources like electricity and running water, these unfortunate people physically may not have much, but they are content nonetheless. All we tend to focus on is what they lack. However, they live in closeness with their family and in their faith.

Counting our blessings as we do mission work in St. Paul, Minnesota

They are not consumed in the vast materialistic things of this world- such irrelevant things can´t bring them down. Remember to count your blessings even when it seems like all is going wrong.

2) Step out of your comfort zone

You need to step out of your comfort zone to fully appreciate the time in the midst of mission. On my mission trip to Oklahoma in the summer of 2017, we were helping among the Native Cherokee Indians at the local school. Even in the summer months, the school has an organization that provides warm meals for the children who need it. What a ¨simple¨ thing in our mind, but to them, a warm meal is one of the most treasured things. The school also has a Vacation Bible School week, and we happened to be there during that week. My youth leader told us to split up and make stations for the kids to go to. We were handed no supplies but a kickball. How were we supposed to entertain a group of 40 kids with nothing but a playground ball? One of the seniors on the trip decided to make a quick lesson and from that we were each to lead a small group in discussion. Already way out of my bubble, I decided that it was necessary for these kids to hear the message so I was to let down my timidness to benefit them. After finishing the small group, we regrouped and decided to teach them small songs like ¨Jesus Loves Me¨ with the motions that we were taught as preschoolers. After these two hours with the neighborhood kids, a little girl came up to me and said, ¨I never knew who Jesus was, but he seems pretty great since He did all those things.¨ I was shocked at this response- you literally never know when it would be someone´s first time hearing a necessary story of the greatest person of all.

3) Selflessness

Our mindset is one of the most powerful and controllable things of our complex anatomy. We need to focus on others, rather than ourselves. We know that. When we fixate on ourselves we tend to recall how others have hurt us. The better option is to keep your mind on others because then we focus on their happiness.

True joy doesn't come from serving ourselves, it comes from serving the people we encounter.

4) Always be on the lookout for mission

Missions should simply never end. I have told my stories because I feel it is incredibly necessary for as many people as in my reach to hear these testimonies. I desire for you to not only read my lessons and know what I have learned, but for you to involve these lessons in your everyday life.

a night that sparked my passion for mission

Regardless of your religious beliefs, it is very evident that we all have talents, but we also all have aspects that need resolved. Whether that is forgiving a friend, learning that other people do not define you, reflecting more on your blessings, or becoming more joyful, soar with those desires and try to become a better person everyday.