Four Years Ago Today

Four years ago today, I went to the airport for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I got on a plane for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I left Canada for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I saw the ocean for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I landed in Barbados. 

My goodness, it has been four years! That's so crazy to me!

Four years ago today, I left the country on a missions trip to Barbados with a team of 7 other people. 

I spent one week in Barbados, and it was one of the best weeks of my life. It was my first experience of so many things. I had never been on a plane before, never left Ontario before - let alone the country, I had never seen the ocean - let alone swam in it, I had never seen a palm tree or spent so much time with the same people (that aren't related to me) before, and it was my first time standing in front of hundreds of children teaching lessons!! 

But this experience was incredible, it was the trip of a life time. I got to experience the culture, the island, visit tourist sights, adventure with the locals, and have time to myself at the beach. But I also got to travel to two different schools each day and present the Gospel to so many children through song, dance, object lessons and puppet shows! 

I was 16 years old when I went to Barbados, and I will never forget what God did in me. He revealed Himself to me in new ways and gave me a whole new perspective on life and on the world. This trip is what gave me the taste for missions - the desire to want to travel more and share the Gospel more. But even more importantly, the trip is what solidified my desire to want to teach and work with children. 

I know that God is going to do awesome things in Guatemala this year, too. I am so excited for what will unfold and for the things He will do in and through each of us. But for today, let's just reflect back to the beautiful week I spent in Barbados. 

In omnia paratus