The beginning of the school year I just randomly heard
about this organization and decided to give it shot. But the first experience
of my attempt to go was not so “attractive”. This is because the co-chair got a
call from the main Spero leaders and they said the complex was having
problems and that we could not come. It was alarming that this would happen the first week
but for some reason I was so intrigued with the idea of ministering to refugees
and felt like God was tugging on my heart to go.
So, I went the next week. And let me tell you I was sold
for the rest of the year from those two very short hours. I was so ecstatic when coming back from Spero Project, I’m pretty sure I couldn’t sleep
that night!(I know, I get way to excited about everything!) I just knew this
was the perfect organization for me throughout college since I have such a love
for cross-cultural ministry and kids.
And if you know me, I am one those people when I get
excited about something I tend to tell EVERYBODY! So, that is exactly what I
did, I told every friend I have made in college throughout this year. And
lets just say, Spero Project grew A LOT this year. J
But
the main point of why I am telling you about my Spero experience is because,
I felt like God used that organization to save me. Throughout this whole year I
have had a combination of bad test grades, unexpected gossip about me, loss of
relationships, stress of academics (just some of the hardships a typical
college student can go through) and every time I went to Spero, God reminded me
why I was enduring those tough times in college. Despite the fact that every
single time I got back from Spero I was covered in mud, dirt, blisters, and
occasionally nail polish, I was always refreshed when I got to see those kids.
God used them to keep my passion going when I felt like it was on the verge of
running dry.
So, people will say, “It is
great that you would sacrifice your time like that, you are blessing those
kids.”
And all I want to do is turn
to them and say “No, you got it wrong; they are blessing me.”
I will miss them so dearly
this summer but can’t wait to see what God reveals to me through them next year.
So, since we are on the
topic of my passion, I want to now talk about my upcoming trip to India this
summer; It is 12 days away!!! I am going to be working with women saved form
sex-trafficking and listening to their stories and ministering to them. It is
going to be tough tough work, but all I can say is I am willing to travel
across the world and live below my means because talking to those women and
doing cross-cultural ministry is my passion. Because I know that I will be
blessed so much more by those women than vice versa.
And, praise the Lord I have
all the money raised! So, now it is just spiritually preparing myself while getting
excited for the adventure that is to come.
I also will be journaling
over there, so be expecting a blog post after June 3rd when I get back. I am
thinking it will be a pretty good one too!
So, now let me ask you this.
What is your passion and
what are you doing to keep it alive?
Thanks for reading!
Karlie
P.S. Pray for me while I am
India, PLEASE!!
