Why You Should Go
What better way to start my little missionary journal than with a Bible verse.
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Luke 12:25
Hello to any people reading this, I’m hoping that my writings will give you some insight into the life of a Salt Ventures summer intern in Bulgaria, but first you need to understand a little bit of where and who this is coming from.
Здравейте, I am Esther, a 19 year old Brit. And I am a worrier.
When I first heard of possibly going over to Bulgaria to do some mission work, I didn't take it completely seriously: I was on a gap year between school and university, and I was exploring what I could do with my time. However, I am not an adventurous person, so any concept of going abroad or travelling by myself was initially dismissed. But somehow, as the months went by, I found myself researching both Salt Ventures and the Pink Foundation, talking to my local Church about it, participating in online meetings about the camps, and even learning some of the language. Somehow I went from not being able to point out Bulgaria on a map to packing my suitcase for my flight.
As I said before, I am a worrier. I am someone that must have every detail in order and knowledge of all actions, even if it doesn't involve me. Preparing for all outcomes is usually a good, sensible idea, however it can easily become an excuse to get in the way of doing something amazing. I spoke to my vicar and my parents about how I was uncertain about going because I didn’t know about some things and that not every detail of what I would be doing every hour of every day. What they replied was actually what I expected. An example from scripture that I had heard in a sermon about Jesus walking on the water before I had fully decided to go. This was my ‘stepping out of the boat’ moment. So, just like Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:29, I made my decision to go to Bulgaria for 2 months. Just like Peter, there were times of doubts and worries, but even through those moments, the presence of God has always been with me. He wants you to succeed, to step out of the boat and walk on the water towards him.