A full scholarship to law school seems like an opportunity you can't turn down. At first, I didn't; I was enrolled in classes and I had even declared my major. But God had bigger plans. When I was three years old, I was found shaking my newborn sister, yelling the words, "Say you love Jesus, say it." Growing up, my goal in life was to become a missionary and tell as many people about Jesus as I could. It wasn't a cognitive switch, but missions became a lower priority as I grew older. I thought I needed to find God's calling in my life through a specific career path, and I was set on a career in law. I was born to argue, and I am passionate about being a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves. I knew the Lord would use me in that field, and I wanted to make a real change. And then I went to Manchester, New Hampshire, the Lord opened my eyes. We went on a senior class mission trip, serving the homeless and foster care communities. All week, I knew serving and furthering the Kingdom was where I needed to be permanently. I thought, "How could I sit at a desk all day when there are people who have never heard the name of Jesus?" I cannot do it, I cannot pursue a worldly career when there are nations to be reached. The Lord has called us all to something higher, and I have decided to be obedient.

I was enrolled in law school, and my major was declared, but that all changed in one sentence. At our final debrief, I was asked to share what I would take home with me from the trip. Immediately, I knew I had to say that I cannot NOT do missions every single day for the rest of my life. And that was it. Now I must be obedient to the call and command that God has given us. Some of you may know that I was a barista and studied Italian for two years, and I also recently went on a trip to Italy. So when I went over to ask my mission leaders about the world race and stepping into missions after graduation, we looked up the upcoming trips. I could not believe my eyes when I read that the upcoming semester trip was going to be in Italy and Albania, opening up a Christian coffee shop. I felt like I fully understood what Psalm 37:23 means when it says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." This was His plan for me all along, but it took a step of obedience and surrender. He has been preparing me my entire life for this moment, and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

So, yes, I changed my future plans 1 week before graduation. Despite my usual preparedness, I have no idea what my future looks like. I have no idea where He is going to send me, but I will say I AM WILLING, I am willing to be sent. I know that this trip to Italy and Albania is my first step, and I am fully trusting in the Lord to open doors that He wants me to walk through. For all of those reading, I need your help. My fundraising goal for the first semester is $8,000. That cost is for four months overseas, including food, room and board, flights, and missionary training. I cannot do that on my own, and I am asking if you are able to give, it would be 100% used to further His kingdom and nothing less. Follow along on my blog to learn more about my trip, hear testimonies and prayer requests, and financial updates on my goal. I will also be needing lots of prayer for my upcoming trip, and for all of those whom we are going to reach.