I have always wanted in some way to be a part of something bigger. I told my husband that if I were not married with children I would probably be in some remote part of a little known country performing missionary work in the Peace Corps. Remember those tests they have you take in high school where by the end of it, the results are supposed to show what kind of career you should set your sites on? I was always going back and forth about who I wanted to be when I grew up, and what I could do with my life that would mean something.

The results of my test pointed me in the direction of service—whether it be in the medical field, or any business that dealt in hospitality, or work serving animals in some way. It seemed to capture me as a person, but I was still undecided. My choices then were to join the Peace Corps, become a veterinarian, or a marine biologist. Since none of these career paths came to fruition and instead God has blessed me with a beautiful family and a good life, I can say that I have no regrets. But I do have a calling in my heart. That call is to perform mission work for God, helping in whatever manner He would call me to.

Our church travels around the world doing mission work each year, and every year the time comes around to sign up, I either chicken out, or cannot go because of the issue with not having a passport. This year our church young adult group as a whole has come up with a new idea in missionary work. That is to perform services for tiny impoverished towns while taking a cruise to these locations. The cruise will be on a luxury liner, yet during the ports of call, 500 young adults who have volunteered will go ashore, bypass all the touristy areas catering to the rich and go into the poor sectors of these cities that tourists rarely see and perform many works of service, partnering with the community and government to see where the most help is needed.

It doesn’t sound like there would be a lot of time to make a difference, 5 hours at each location—but having our young adult leaders preparing far in advance, working with the area church leaders and government officials, will ensure that the 500 volunteers will be able to help in the most efficient and resourceful ways in so many levels and areas of service. I am excited about this trip because it is such a fresh idea. It may not take off, who knows—maybe we are biting off more than we can chew, but it is our hope that God will bless this project and that we will be able to do this annually.

Personally, I want to be on this maiden trip but will have to work hard to get the information I need to obtain my birth certificate. If I don’t make it this year, I will look forward to the next one. Please take a look at the site and read for yourselves what a miracle this could work in these communities. There is an opportunity to sponsor this trip for any of you who would like to help but cannot go personally. And for those of you who would like to be a part of this, have a read at the requirements, (i.e. age, and costs), and go for it if you feel a calling. It is called Cruise with a Mission; please pray for the people that are taking this trip, but mostly for these small communities—that they will receive a blessing through the work done there.