I'm from the south, my hometown is not small but it is far from big. The claim to fame and the overall source of growth in my town is that we're the home of one of the biggest grocery store companies in the world! Because of this, our diversity has grown abundantly. When I was in elementary school, a new girl transferred into my class. She was different than me in more ways than one but in many ways, we were just alike. Both enjoyed reading, both sought success in school, and both were unable to stop talking during the teacher's lessons. She and I were kindred spirits, but she grew up Muslim with family from India and I grew up a southern Baptist never living anywhere but the South.
My sweet friend and I would have regular conversations about religion, culture, and language. I knew more than the average 4th grader about another religion than my own. We shared in innocent, curious conversation, no fire and brimstone or "forcing religion down each other's throats," we just cared. There was something so precious about being her friend and her being mine, it taught me so much about the beauty of difference. Although she wasn't a believer she is deeply loved by God and had qualities of kindness, grace, and love just like her creator.
Years have gone by and I'm about to graduate college wondering, just like everybody else, what I'm going to do with my life. I thought back on my younger years and the impact that relationship in 4th grade had on both of our lives. I questioned, where would I be if I grew up in another religion? Could I potentially engage with people of other cultures, religions, and languages to share the truth of the gospel? GoCorps has been such a clear path for me ever since I took a step of obedience to apply, doors have opened, prayers have been answered and a great excitement has grown in me to reach the nations!