In the past few years, I have been pursuing a call to ministry, and especially to missions. I have been able to “Go Near” to Kenya twice now, and both times were life-altering in so many ways. While on the trip, I was able to teach school children a Bible curriculum that covered the entire Bible. My favorite part of the trip is being able to sit with the kids, young or old, and have genuine conversations with them. I learn where they come from and how they live in the Kenyan culture. My relationship with God has also changed a great amount as a result of my trip. As we were at the school and the surrounding areas, I was able to see that the kids were lacking some of the basic necessities that I take for granted daily, yet they have so much more joy than I have because they rely solely on the Lord.

From this experience, I have realized my true need for God in my everyday life. I have been much more thankful and reliant on the Lord because of it. I would highly recommend a short-term overseas mission trip for others who haven’t gone before. I would mainly recommend this because they can experience a culture other than their own, and are more able to view the world and their relationship with God in a newer and better way as they share the gospel with people in need. I am so thankful for the leadership and experience that was on the team, and I’m grateful for the spiritual growth that I was able to experience as a result. Going to serve in Nairobi, Kenya confidently affirmed God’s calling on my life for ministry and I am thankful for the love of the Kenyan people and the ongoing relationships I have as a result of the trip.