Working Hand in Hand with God

Here at Adventures we know that missions doesn’t happen alone. From our many contacts all over the world, to the countless missionaries willing to serve the nations, to all our supporters at home, we give thanks to God for all your support this year. One of our World Race: Gap Year participants, Irene Hackett, looks back on her experience, sees how much she’s changed and experienced, and thanks all the people who partnered with her to make it possible.

Have you ever thought about your purpose in life?

Have you ever thought about why you’re here on this earth, why you were created?

Those questions penetrated me deeply for 18 years until I discovered I wasn’t created by coincidence. It wasn’t by mistake. There is a reason. My life has been radically transforming since two years ago when I first accepted Christ. 

I live for God.

These last nine months consisted of having no electricity, pumping and carrying my own water, always being dirty and wearing the same outfit for days on end. I lived with 20 former street boys who turned into my brothers. I loved on women in prostitution and taught them that they’re more precious than gold.

I got to be best friends with women in prison, and they taught me to be grateful for my freedom. I stayed up late nights to hang out with the street children in the Philippines. I danced and sang with people of all ages from around the world. I held many babies without families. I played, laughed, and loved on orphans.

I learned the world is most hungry for love, and we have so much of it, yet keep it to ourselves.

The only thing the people I met ever wanted was to be loved. And I could do that. It was almost effortless. It was free.

“The world today is hungry, not only for bread but hungry for love; hungry to be wanted, to be loved. They’re hungry to feel that presence of Christ.” -Mother Teresa

I learned that a good attitude will make whatever situation you’re in 100 times better. So can a smile, a hug, and a hello.

When I look in a mirror now, I’m completely different. These experiences changed me. The people I met along the way changed me. Orphaned children changed me. God changed me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone. All to whoever read one of my blogs, who sent up a prayer for me, supported me, or who thought of me while I was gone. Thank you. You were part of this trip too!

Adventures would love to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. You are our partners as we walk hand in hand with God, serving him thankfully wherever we go. Our missions is your mission, and together We Are Adventures.

In the comments below, we would love to hear what you are thankful for this year.