Poland: Finding the Lord in New Experiences

As I lugged my 49.7 pound suite case across the Chicago airport at 6:30 on a warm June morning, I couldn't stop thinking about how I am about to hop on a plane to fly to Poland. I had been praying and preparing for this trip since September, and it is finally happening. I had no idea what to expect. I had been training for nine months for this two and a half week experience but I still felt so lost and confused on what was going to occur. However, once i placed my backpack underneath my seat, I felt peace rush through my body as I remembered about the goodness of our God and how He is constantly moving and working in every opportunity that He has provided.

Going over seas to teach both english and the gospel to European students was an intense but humbling experience. I was given the opportunity to go to the mountains and cities of Poland to create deep relationships with multiple Polish teenagers. The first week consisted of exploring the beauty and charm of cities in Poland. I have always had a heart for experiencing and learning about new cultures. Being able to walk around and explore the unique breath taking differences of Poland was such an unforgettable moment.

Exploring the uniqueness of a European country is such an incredible experience that I will cherish forever. However, teaching Polish students, not only english, but also the gospel will never be beat. This was my very first mission trip overseas through the mission organization Josiah Venture and it truly sparked my heart and passion for missions. Working with Polish students for eleven hours of the day for a week and a half straight was exhausting but I would never change it for the world. During that week and a half, I had seen God move in so many extreme ways. For example, I had a conversation with a thirteen year old Polish student who was having trouble understanding what I was trying to tell her. I started getting frustrated and impatient with her and with myself. I then closed my eyes and thought "Lord please show yourself in this conversation". I then felt the Lord telling me to tell her how much God loves her. Being confused, I started sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the next thing I knew, the young Polish girl was sobbing uncontrollably. She looked up at me with her beautiful ocean blue eyes overflowing with tears and uttered the words, "I understood every word. He did that for someone like me?"

The Lord moves in so many miraculous ways. In that moment, I realized that God places us in certain challenges and situations to remind us that if we put our trust and faith in Him, He will walk with us and teach us so many different things within each challenge. Traveling to Poland really opened my head and heart to what I truly believe God called me to do. I find so much joy and peace when working with kids who are much different than me and sharing the good news of our Father. I may have been so confused on why the Lord was calling my sixteen year old self to Europe one random summer, but I can't thank Him enough for it. This trip really changed my heart and helped me grow deeper in my love for Christ but also deeper in my passion for others and experiencing new cultures.