DTS, Ensenada, MX 2002-2003
When I was 19 I went on my first missions trip with YWAM--for five months. During my Discipleship Training School, I took three months of lectures that expanded my view of God as I learned more of His character. After three months, I went on a two month trip to Spain. It was an eye-opening experience, going from warm and welcoming Mexico to cold and closed, Spain. I saw that the need for God's love is not only just in poorer, third world countries, but also in progressive countries that "have it all". My DTS grabbed a hold of me, "ruining me for the ordinary", making me begin to think that missions may just turn out to be a lifetime calling for me.
MTS, Oaxaca, MX 2004-2005
I spent my 21st birthday getting ready to spend a year at Missionary Training School in south Mexico. Working with Global Frontier Missions, I received my associates degree in Biblical Studies through Vision University and worked with unreached people groups in the Mixtec region of Oaxaca. I learned the disciplines of intercession, study, fasting, spiritual warfare, and practical missionary "tips". I saw God prove Himself faithful by answering prayer, drawing hearts towards Him, teaching my heart to trust Him, and even do a miracle of food multiplication! At the end of the year, my friend and I got to lead 10 girls, to many unreached villages. We did lots of practical hands on work, built relationships with the villagers, worked with medical clinics, did door to door evangelism, and put together bible schools for children. God used that year to mold me for all He had planned next!
DTS Staff, Ensenada, MX 2006-2008
For two and a half years I was able to be staff at YWAM -the program that changed my life, and got me interested in missions. I staffed two discipleship schools, for 5 months each, and was able be a part of the spiritual growth of over 50 young adults. During the months that I was not working with DTS, I worked with a program hosting missions trips for youth. I worked with the administrative side of missions - an aspect we often forget needs to happen on the mission field.
Winter 2007-2008 my best friend and I lead a group of 15 girls to Cusco, Peru. We worked with Jed and Jaime Benoit, who I had been with in Oaxaca. During that time God began to place an excitement and love in my heart for Cusco and Meltdown Ministries. By the end of the trip, I loved it so much that I knew I had to go back!