Forever Changed

Kimberly Alexander - Upendo 318 Experience

I was “that person”. You know, the one that says over and over and over again that they would “never, ever go on a mission trip. No way, not for me”. Until one day, God softened my heart and invited me to go serve. Abroad. With strangers. In a strange place. And crazy as it sounds, I said YES. 

The experience was everything and nothing like I imagined.

I saw God working as I had never seen Him before. I knew that He loves and cares for every one of His children. That He is a God of mercy, compassion, strength, and wisdom. I learned though that WE are here to serve others. To be the hands and feet of God. Each of us! 

To say it was a trip of a lifetime is a huge understatement. I came away with so much more than I gave. I not only made lifelong memories and made new friends with many of the people in the community (whom I have been blessed to revisit numerous times and they have even visited me in my home) but I made friendships with many members of my past team(s) that I not only do daily life within my community but also continue to go on mission trips abroad.

In summary, this trip (and the many that have followed) changed me forever in the way I view my life and the lives of others.  I can only hope that others will someday be able to feel the same.