My Testimony

There's nothing like hearing a good story- and a good testimony right? But what makes it good, is it the adventure or the crazy lows or highs? 

A lot of my friends tell me "I don't have a testimony."

And I don't buy it, I don't believe it. I think we all have a testimony. And sometimes it's hard to share. Some parts should be guarded a little more than others. But what better way to share your life with someone than sharing what Jesus has done for you?

For me I was raised as an Adventist Christian, spent some time in public, Baptist, and Adventist schools as well as a missionary in Peru. I think my journey with God started when I was pretty young, but I definitely had some challenges and obstacles I had to overcome as well as a period of stagnation when I wondered if it was worth it.

I found Jesus the most in my life when I was a missionary and when I worked at summer camp. Both these experiences challenged what it meant to follow Him. 

I had always had a plan for my life and I thought it would be simple and sweet. That year in Peru changed my view of the world. I met orphan children who ripped my heart in two.  I came face to face with some big fears and slowly struggled through tears and learning how to love uncomfortably close and awkward ways.

That year wasn't easy because I learned I wasn't very strong, I wasn't a superhero, couldn't save the world, couldn't even save one child in the orphanage system. But I learned who God was. He was strong, He was able, and He was merciful. Again and again I fell that year and He picked me up. I prayed that year a new prayer I'd never prayed before "Lord take everything and change my heart. Take away the old me and make me new with your love. I don't want to live the easy life anymore. I want to follow you."

I remember one night lying outside at the orphanage hungry, lice filled, and smelling awfully terrible, but looking at the stars, and knowing without a doubt that God wanted every part of my life. And that was terrifying...

But it was when I gave up everything, that was when I learned that Jesus was the Lord of miracles. He does miracles. I can attest. Because He began to change me and do things I thought were impossible..