Lord, Is That You?

     I am not sure how or when the seed for missions was planted in my heart. However, for the last year and a half or so, I have been set on going as a student missionary through Southern. I filled out an application, got a health check up, was dedicated with other students going as missionaries, and went to the exit retreat last April. Most student missionaries (SM's) left last summer whereas, I was planning to go soon after I graduated in December with my ASN and took my nursing boards. Well, the soonest I could take the National Licensing Exam for Registered Nurse's was February 11, (my Dad's birthday:), so I decided to start my Bachelor's and go this summer. 

     In the mean time I wondered, "Lord, is that you calling me to be a missionary?" Here is part of an email I sent to Bjorn Harbolt in Zambia earlier this year. "But seriously, this email you sent me today, I believe is a sign among others I've recieved lately, that I should go as an SM. I just got out of Mission Nursing class where I heard Ansley Howe share of her experience in Peru". I still have had my doubts, though I told Bjorn "every SM I've ever talked to, has not regretted going. Even at summer camp this summer, half of my friends were returning SM's"!  

     I have wanted to go to a Latin culture, learn Spanish, and serve as a nurse. There didn't seem to be very many options to for nurses in Latin America, but finally in February I received an email from Jenni Goodwin down in Peru with the Amor Projects telling me they had accepted me! Well, now on May 11, I still feel unsure about what's going on. I'm still waiting to hear if the local conference in Peru will approve of this project in order for the North American Division to ensure me while I'm there. A few weeks ago a second option opened up and Kristin Eszler and I told OCI we were interested in working with them on a medical mission boat in the same general area of Pucallpa, Peru. However, the director did not want to take nurses from the AMOR Projects. So here I am, at home in Indiana spending time with my family and getting experience as a nurse at a long-term care facility.  

     Lord, I want to serve you with all my heart and follow where ever you lead. Help me to hear your still small voice. May your will be done.