There was no way I could have prepared for all I would feel when I returned home to beautiful San Diego after my 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. Hugging my family and closest friends and never wanting to let them go again, overdosing on In-N-Out, Chipotle, and carne asada fries, sleeping in my OWN BED, taking hot showers, brushing my teeth with sink water, driving my car, and having unlimited cell phone data were just a few things that made the first few weeks feel like a magical dreamland. I was surprised however, how fast the pixie dust settled and the excitement dwindled away. Did I really miss living out of my backpack??? I became angry with myself for how quickly the things I viewed as luxuries once again became just a part of my everyday routine. I was ashamed at the amount of time I could spend mindlessly scrolling through social media and Netflix. I couldn’t believe how well informed everyone seemed to be about Caitlyn Jenner's sex change, yet knew nothing about the serious struggles going on outside of America. In the midst of the frustration and confusion I realized, I’m still dealing with the severe heartbreak I experienced on the World Race.
My heart broke for the astounding number of homeless street youth in Guatemala City. My heart broke for the abandoned and orphaned children in Honduras. My heart broke for the families still living in unbearable “Blue Tarp homes” built only to be temporary after the devastating earthquake 6 long years ago in Haiti. My heart broke for the people without any food or clean water to drink in Zambia. My heart broke for those without the ability to get medical attention in Malawi. My heart broke for the women trapped in the sex trafficking industry in Thailand. My heart broke for the brave young believers who were beaten and exiled from their families and villages because of their faith in Laos. My heart broke for the special needs children who were left on the streets to die or be sold for body parts in Cambodia. This heartbreak cannot be undone.
I’m afraid my soul may never be satisfied if I don't do something to make a difference for people like these. God has given me an undeniable passion to create a GLOBAL, Jesus inspired, impact. I hope to do this one day by starting my own business or non-profit organization, raising awareness, and connecting the world’s fortunate with tangible, life-giving opportunities to help the world’s less fortunate.
I am confident that my first step to making this dream a reality is through attending G42 Leadership Academy starting January 2016. During the 6 month school in Mijas, Spain I will be living in an authentic community, being discipled and trained to fulfill this purpose and destiny for my life. Along with a Spirit filled education, I will also have an opportunity to learn from, and make important connections with, teachers flown in from all over the world, at the top of their respective fields in both the business and the non-profit realm. I fully anticipate leaving G42 not only with a greater understanding of who I am in Christ, but also with a solid plan of how I will bring His Kingdom to life here on Earth.
Robert F. Kennedy once said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” I could continue teaching and personal training, gain some security, and move out of my parents house like most people, "in their right mind" , at age 25 are doing, but I know the risk of giving up those things is well worth even the slightest chance at this reward.
I need to raise a total of $6,800 for tuition at G42. That is not including the price of flights to get to and from Spain. If you believe in me and the dreams I hope to make a reality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation and becoming a part of my support team. I know you won’t be disappointed!
