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New plan… Medellin, Columbia!!

A lot has happened since my last blog post so let me catch you up 🙂

My trip to serve in Costa Rica last summer was unfortunately cancelled due to covid-19. After it was cancelled, I was honestly barely phased. SO many things had been changing because of COVID, so this just felt like another thing that had to be cancelled. When the trips for summer 2021 were released, I decided to glance over them not thinking I would be able to commit another summer to a trip that still felt like it could get cancelled too. 

While reading the descriptions, Columbia immediately caught my attention. The ministry there, Ciudad Refugio, serves as a church, a homeless shelter, a job training center, and a drug rehab center. I have been blown away at how perfectly crafted this change of a trip has been and how the Lord is continuing to answer a prayer of mine that I prayed years ago.

These ministries caught my attention and I immediately wanted to know more about this trip and the ways in which we would be serving. Most people don’t know this about me, but addiction and rehab centers are a huge part of my “why”.Growing up, one of my close relatives seriously struggled with addiction. This went on for years and was very difficult for me, but I remember praying a specific prayer over and over.

 

“Lord, if you are going to keep putting me through this, would you give me a way to use this to help others.”

 

I don’t tell you this to make myself sound good or perfect. I tell you this prayer because it was one prayed out of devastation and a need to see some kind of light through it. I couldn’t bear the thought of going through all of this with no reason for it. My only hope was that the Lord would be able to use me.

And he has done just that time and time again. He has put people in my life to help me heal, He’s shown me how to pray through forgiveness, and He has allowed me to just simply be a listening ear for those going through the same thing. That’s the beauty of it, it hasn’t been my story all along, it’s just been getting to sit with someone and say I hear ya, I understand what you’re feeling, and you’re not alone.  

My reason for wanting to go on this trip isn’t to share my personal story with every person I meet. That’s actually the opposite of what I want to do. My reason for going is to be someone who can bring a little light into the hard things these people may be going through and hopefully be a break from the intense conversations and hardness of life. If that’s playing a board game, that’s what I’ll do. If it’s sitting in silence, that’s what I’ll do. If it’s letting them share their experiences and their day with me, I’ll listen. And hopefully they will get to experience and feel the love of Jesus, and maybe I’ll get to share how He has changed my life and the hope that is right there for them too. I’m really looking forward to (hopefully) going and seeing what the Lord is going to do in the people we (my team) will be serving and what the Lord is going to do in me.

And now for the part that I hate to do but is so necessary for me to able to go… fundraising. I have already raised $2,300 and the amount I need to go is $3,550. So, I still need $1,250. If you got the email for this blog post, that means you have most likely already donated and I appreciate that more than you know. If you are wanting to donate or even want to donate again that would mean so much to me. I will also be working leading up to the trip and baking (I’ll be your girl if you need something to satisfy your sweet tooth!) to make money to put towards this trip. There is a “donate” button on my home page if you would like to support me in this!!

And of course, I appreciate every prayer prayed alongside me. I am praying specifically for safety, growth, and just to have a lot of fun :). Thank you for reading and I would love to hear from you in the comments or by email!! <3 

 

With love,

Claire

One comment

  1. This is beautiful! I’m so glad the Lord brought you there to be that light, to listen, to play that board game, or just to sit with someone in their silence. He truly never wastes a hurt and I’m certain He’s using you. Can’t wait to hear the victories that He’s bringing about! Praying for you each and all! Love, Rachel (Jessa’s mom)

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