I must admit, I never had a calling for missions. The passion really began at a young age when I wanted to sing and act professionally, I couldn't hit a right note for my life for a long time and frankly acting is almost impossible to pursue without the right connections. I had a friend whose natural God given talent was to sing, she was amazing, and still is. That of course gave me the desire to be "famous" and I could not understand why, someone with such a profound God blessing, would not go professional when she had the opportunity. Everyone knew she could and she could make such a huge impact on christian music and as a christian idol influence on the youth of America. It just baffled me that so many gifted people I knew did not have that kinda desire. For if I had their talent I would embrace it in a heart beat. The more I thought the more I understood that maybe that is not what God's will is in their life. 

"Well Lord why do I have such a desire and no talent??"

Summer before I started High School I went on a cruise with my parents. Being awkward, shy, and no brothers or sisters, the trip was boooring lol. One of our stops was on an island that held probably no more than 1,000 to 2,000 people. Mom and I spent the day together riding the (very tiny island) on bikes. It was gorgeous, brought joy and broke my heart all at the same time. Kids had no shoes or even full outfits, their homes consisted of 4 post, 2 by 4s that split the space in half, for top and bottom, (for them to sleep on) and a roof of tree coverings. The only building material I saw was the school that was all concrete. That was it. I could not describe it in words how moving it was and at peace it was. Passion burned in me to LIVE there. What was I thinking?? I thought. Why?? I wanted to work with the adults, teach the children, and sleep on 2 by 4s??!! I wanted to be apart of poverty and I still get excited about the thought of it.

I left just knowing I wanted that peace I felt, that burning Love I saw in the smiles of those children's faces, I wanted to wrap my arms around that place and never let go!!  

Maybe I just did not know my talent yet??!!

Long story short high school began, YAY. I hated it lol. I was made fun of in choir and quickly lost my desire to sing anymore or to ever sing alone, i was a fitting average student, and horrible at my foreign language (French). I loved singing though and loved acting, which I did for 5 days a week for 4 years (along with choir). I can not say I would go back. I always wanted to be something more, I wanted to be an example, I wanted to be something!! I went through several sports, danced for 8 years, involved in church activities, I just was not finding "my thing". Then came College, YaY lol not (thought i actually ended up loving it). I attended technical school and got out quick. I love what I do and almost everything it is about. I meet tons of people, rich people, some that travel the world, some that mooch off there husbands, some that just stink (literally). "Lord where are you taking me?" I sing on praise team at church and I am leader of a interpretive dance team for our youth. Still I burn with the same question. Several months ago I got to thinking about my little island. So I randomly starting searching mission trip organizations and talking with my pastors wife. I know I wanted it to to be long term at least a month or two and well I found AIM. Started asking questions and researching. 

The more I searched the more my desire burned.

Top of the list, Peru.... Ironically when I read it I flashed back to a moment when I was with a client (about a year ago) in the middle of a session and he was telling me of his 13 day trip through the Amazon Jungle. Out of all the countries he has traveled that would be his first choice in where to return.

Flashback = tingles = 

Peace..

Burning Love..

Smiles..

Faces..

Warmth..

Passion..

Tears..

Every feeling my little island left in my heart

I prayed, I fasted, and soon I was accepted, now committed to going to Peru!! = ) Even though some are skeptical about safety and what not, I have a peace and passion for this trip that burns stronger daily. God has answered all my question and doubts about this trip. Just maybe I was ment to be something more for someone else??!!  I do not know if this will be my last mission trip or if maybe I'll return to stay but I know something BIG is going to happen on this trip. Something that the smallest amount of Faith will be moving Mountains. No words could express the excitement and feelings I have. All I can say is, 

It is in this moment of God's Peace that I am going to Peru, and I am in awe of, even not knowing, the impact as Christians we will make!!

p.s. That client returned this past week. I am now meeting with him next week for him to tell me all about it and show me pictures!! God just has impeccable timing!! = )