For as long as I can remember, Colorado has been home. I’ve traveled to different states, but I have lived in the same house my entire life. I have never been outside of the country. So this next season is completely new territory for me, a step into something I have never experienced before.

I’ve always known God was in my life. I don’t have one exact moment where I can say, “That was the day I found Christ,” because looking back, I feel like he has been part of my story all along. But as I grew older, I started realizing something that changed everything for me: not everyone knows the God that I know. Not everyone has experienced his love, his grace, and the hope that comes from having a relationship with him.

That realization made my faith become more than just something I believed, it’s become my passion, and at that moment of realization God saved my life.

Following Christ has shaped who I am, but it hasn’t always been easy. There were seasons where I lost friendships, felt misunderstood, and felt like I was loosing pieces of myself. Throughout high school, I struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, anger, and loneliness. I remember praying and asking God why I felt so alone. Why I was so alone. I didn’t understand what he was doing or what His plan was for me.

But even when I couldn’t see what God was doing, he was still there.

When I moved to online school, I found myself with more time to spend with the Lord. In that season, God began showing me something I needed to understand: I was never alone. He knew every fear, every hurt, every prayer, and every moment where I felt like I couldn’t keep going. He met me exactly where I was.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

That verse reminds me that God doesn’t walk away from us in our hardest season. He draws closer.

The more alone I felt, the more God showed up.

Through everything I’ve experienced, God has grown my desire to share the gospel and love people the way he loves us. I have always had a passion for spreading Gods Word, serving others for his glory, and being able to advance God’s kingdom. And for the longest time I prayed God would break my heart for the things that break his heart.

I didn’t want to just say I cared about people. I wanted God to change the way I see people. I wanted to see people beyond their circumstances and recognize that every person has a story, a purpose, and a need for the love of Christ.

That is why I am stepping into this journey with Adventures in Missions..

This trip will be my first time leaving the country. I will be stepping away from everything familiar and trusting God in ways I never have before. I know there will be moments where I feel stretched, uncomfortable or unsure, but I also know the same God who carried me through my hardest seasons is the same God who is leading me into this one.

I want to serve, build relationships, listen to peoples stories, and share the hope that I have found in Christ. Whether that looks like helping someone in need, praying with someone, encouraging someone, or simply showing up with love, I want people to experience a glimpse of God’s love, for them.

I know this journey is not about me being the answer. It is about being willing to say yes and allowing God to work through me and the people around me.

This trip is not just about traveling to new countries. It is about following God’s call, trusting his plan, and allowing him to use every part of my story, even the painful parts, for his purpose.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I would love for people to partner with me through prayer, encouragement, and support. I believe God has been preparing my heart for this moment, and I am excited to see what he will do.

The God who was with me in my loneliness is the same God who is sending me forward.