This journey

Why Tanzania? Let me share with you a short synopsis of my journey up to this point. About three years ago, I took a step of faith. I felt that God had a plan for me the following year after my fourth year in college. At that time, I didn't know where he was going to take me or what I was going to do. It wasn't until 2 weeks before I left for my first mission trip that summer that I ended up with the destination of Washington, DC. Ironically, that was the last place I wanted to go. That summer, I went to Mongolia, China, and South Korea with 31 others from Grace Mission Ministries in Durham, NC.

I was always hesitant about mission trips. The thought of westerners going to another country to “convert” people to Christianity seemed not right. Who are we to “convert” and tell people what to believe? Boy, did God teach me. Although I believe that the Word of God is powerful enough to stir hearts, I believe that we are just servants of God as we share His Word. We do not convert people, God just uses us to place in someone's life at the right moment and place, so that He may work in his/her life. We may plant the seed or we may see the harvest. Either way, that summer I learned about God's love.

I came back from that mission trip on fire for God. I came back to Washington, DC. That year I was blessed with such great relationships and experiences. I learned a lot about people and myself. I got to experience the working life that DC provided.

The following summer, I went on my first medical mission trip to The Gambia with my church, Open Door Presbyterian Church. With an inter-generational team with the youngest being 14 and oldest being 72 , we traveled to various villages to assist in providing medical and spiritual care for hundreds of Gambians through a medical station, a pharmacy station, an optical station, and a prayer station. My first time in Africa. All my life, I’ve always felt broken-hearted for Africa. Although I am outraged by the injustices and lack of care in Africa, I know that the best I can do is to serve and pray. God has placed a passion in my heart for medical missions and I believed that this mission trip was only the beginning of fulfilling God’s calling for my life. I'll never forget when we read about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. The following day, as I was washing wounds on people's feet, I thought so this is what it’s all about; one of those ah-ha moments, when something clicks. Yes! That summer, I learned how God can potentially use me in the field of medicine. Thanks be to God for He leads and provides.

The following year, this past year, was my first year of medical school. I love med school. I know, I'm such a nerd. But I just love it! Although there were some stressful times, overall, first year of med school was pretty awesome.

Which brings us to this summer in Tanzania. The opportunity to go to Tanzania arose during the fall when Dr. Dennis and Paula Lofstrom came to speak to us about International Health Partners. It was something I was considering, but for some reason after the presentation, I made an impulsive decision to go for it. I signed up, along with 7 other classmates. As the year progressed, everything seemed to fall in place. I planned to go to Africa again, but for longer this time and not with a mission group, but as a personal mission trip. I’m not sure where God will take me in my life, wherever it may be, I will go. For now, I am learning and He is continually teaching me. Three things I hope to learn from this trip:

1. Learn more about healthcare in Tanzania and in Africa in general. To learn what is needed and appropriate when running a local clinic in Africa. One day, I hope to be involved with starting a clinic.
2. Learn about the people and culture. Learn Swahili. Love people.
3. Learn whatever God is trying to teach me; thru work, people, travel, etc.

What can you do to help? I would greatly appreciate your prayers! Please pray for…

*God’s love and wisdom – to be upon me so that through servanthood I may be used to touch others
*Relationships – between classmates, patients, and others – that they may be full of compassion, understanding, and love
*Healing – for those who are physically and/or mentally hurt
*International Health Partners – for staff and financial support - to be able to continue the well-needed care they provide
*People of Tanzania – for faith, hope, love
*Safety and Protection – physical and spiritual strength

Thanks for your time and for your prayers! I greatly appreciate it, because we all know the power of prayer. Praise God.