Blessed.

For several years, I have had the dream of traveling to an under-served country, particularly Africa, to give what I can to people who are far less fortunate than I. As I began pursuing a career in medicine, this dream turned more specific as I began to feel a call to travel to Africa for a medical mission. Entering medical school, the plan to go on a medical mission became just another aspect of school: of course it was something I was going to do. I would find the time and place and go, no matter what. It was never a question - it just was. (I was also lucky that the man I had started dating and ended up engaged to, Brent, felt the same calling to serve.) However, as I started looking into different avenues and different opportunities to serve, it seemed like nothing was going to work. I hit road block after road block, and was beginning to think perhaps I was being given a sign that this pursuit was not meant to be.

Then I started talking to the pastor at my home church in Poway, Pastor Luther at the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. He had lived and served in Ngaoundere, Cameroon, adjacent to the largest hospital in northern Cameroon. He knew the people in the area and the physicians at the hospital, and, most importantly, he knew they needed some help. All of a sudden, as if it was meant to be, everything started falling into place. Brent and I talked to him about logistics, about setting up a rotation, and about filling out all the necessary paperwork - all which was done without issue. Midwestern University approved the trip and suddenly I was on my way to pursuing my dream of serving in Africa.

As if that wasn't enough of a blessing, we recently found out we have been offered even more - the sponsorship of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. The Church generously offered to sponsor our whole trip - which is much more than I could ever ask or hope for. I aspire to represent our congregation in our service, our kindness, our love, and our dedication, and I hope I can make everyone pround.

I feel so lucky to have the support of friends, family and an entire congregation in Poway, California. I can only pray that the services and time I can provide in Cameroon will match all the blessings I have received...for I certainly am blessed.

--Courtney