My journey to Nepal began more than five years ago, but back then I had no idea what God had planned for me. If you had told me God was going to send me to Nepal, I would have said you were crazy. I believe oversees missions are valuable, but I just didn’t envision Him using me in this way.
As a Social Worker in the Fargo Public Schools, I work with ELL (English Language Learner) students and their families. My job is to support our families in whatever ways they need in order for them to be successful in school and in a new world. I am blessed to have this position and often think it is too fulfilling to be a called a “job.” What other job can you travel the world without ever stepping foot into Hector International Airport? I spend my time building relationships and rapport with families from countries all over the world. As I travel from home to home and assist with the needs of our families, I experience their cultures on an individual and personal level. Their families become my family!
At Bethel, I heard reports about mission trips and how God used the team in unique and special ways and thought “wow” that’s great. But it wasn’t until I heard about the trips to Nepal that I felt God calling me to go too. I have worked with hundreds of people in Fargo who have lived in the refugee camps in Nepal. Many of my students were born in the camps and know no other way of life. I felt God wanted me to show them how much He loves and cares for them. And to do that, I needed to go to Nepal and experience their world.
Our journey was part of a medical mission in partnership with Awana in Nepal. We served children and others medically and spiritually by showing them the love of Christ with our actions. We loved on the children and experienced their world and culture.
I think the following verse sums up why I went to Nepal; not always sure what God had in store, but trusting Him that it will be significant beyond measure.
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58