An Interview with Elizabeth

1. What prompted you to join The Northern Lights?  "I love traveling and seeing and experiencing other countries and cultures (and I've especially wanted to go to Mexico) so when I heard about this trip I was really excited. That is until I found out that it would be during my brother's birthday (January 1st). So I decided that I couldn't go. But then one Sabbath I was talking with James and Lynda about the mission trip and Lynda was telling me how much fun it would be and how my small amount of Spanish speaking skills could be helpful. So once again I got excited at the possibility of going. I started praying about it and I felt God leading me to go.  So...here I am!"☺

2. Have you been on a short-term mission trip, with any organization, before?  "Yes, two years ago (March 2008) I went on a 2-week mission trip to Borneo, Malaysia with my school, Upper Columbia Academy, and built a church there."

3. How did God work in and through you during your last mission trip? Or what special story do you have to share with others about the trip or the people you encountered?  "God worked through me by helping me be able to go and build the church. Also there were 3 teens in Borneo about my age that my friend and I became good friends with and we were, in a way, able to show God's love to them by befriending them."

4. How has God been working in your life especially related to this upcoming mission opportunity?  "First of all, He provided me with 2 years of Spanish classes (as well as many Spanish-speaking friends) so I've come to know and love the language. I'm not anywhere near being fluent, but I know enough to get by; which I thank God for! It's really amazing how He works because after the 1st semester of my first year, I was having a rough time with the class. Not because the work was hard, but because many of my close friends who were in the class had dropped out, and I was left in there with several students who were really annoying to be around. I wanted to drop the class as well, but my mom encouraged me to keep going and see if it got any better--which it did! And, low and behold, I ended up needing that class to do God's work!!! Also He has provided the desire as well as the funds for me to be able to go on this upcoming mission trip. I praise God for all He's done to help me be able to do this!"

Elizabeth is a young adult member of O'Malley Church.  She has a heart for God and a willingness to serve when asked.  Her musical talent and knowledge of Spanish will be a blessing for Team Northern Lights.  I anticipate God doing awesome things through Elizabeth on this trip and when she returns home afterwards.

Lynda