In 2013, I took my first short-term mission trip to Africa. While I knew it would be a ‘forever-in-a-lifetime’ experience, I had no idea it would change the trajectory of my life. I’ve been in education for more than 30 years. I love my job—but within 2 months after my return home, I submitted my letter of retirement.

Was that letter an act of obedience? I am not sure. What I do know is I will never be able to ‘un-see’ what I saw in Africa. I believe God orchestrated this trip, at this time in my life, to break my heart for what breaks His.

I really thought I was going to Africa to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to help those less fortunate. What I know now is that, instead, the people in Africa helped me. They showed me what living a faith-filled life looks like by trusting God in all circumstances.

How has my life changed? I deal with struggles in life in ways I never have before. I struggle with overabundance and excess most of all. I struggle with all those wrapped Christmas presents under our tree. I struggle as I watch my students throw away perfectly good food in our school cafeteria. I struggle with the fact that my dogs have clean water and two meals a day while over one billion children in this world do not. I struggle knowing 25,000 children will die today from preventable diseases.

“I really thought I was going to Africa to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to help those less fortunate. What I know now is that, instead, the people in Africa helped me.”

I desperately want to do something about all those struggles. Yes, I want to change the world but that is not my job. Being on mission has taught me my purpose in life. It’s really quite simple, and it’s God’s greatest command. I am here to love God and love His people. I will live for that purpose every day at home, at work or on mission, for the rest of my life, for His Glory.