Hot Topic, by Allie Hanks

The hot topic this time of year at school is “What are you doing this Spring Break?” I get asked that question at least 10 times a day, and I respond with “I’m going to Haiti on a mission trip with my youth group!” with the biggest smile and most ecstatic look in my eyes. I am beyond excited for this trip and want everyone to see why. 
When I explain to them the purpose of the trip and the impact it will make on the lives of the people there, I see them start to think. They ask questions like why would I ever want to go there, and why am I not going to Cherry Grove with the rest of the high school and I tell them that I simply feel called to go serve. Yes I love going to the beach and relaxing while attempting to tan, but the beach will always be there waiting for me. I have an opportunity to go out and serve. To make an impact. I can’t even imagine what it means to the people there to see young teenagers coming to a 5^th world country to serve them, and just be there with them. That is something that I crave to be a part of.  I want to experience this part of the world in a real way, not from the shelter of my home or my family, but to really get out of my comfort zone and go for God. 
I was raised in a Christian home my whole life and I never fought it. I know plenty of teenagers who call themselves Christians, get baptized and even attend church every so often. I don’t want to only do the bare minimum though, I want to go out and see the ways in which God can use me. I feel like taking this step will only further my relationship with Christ and the people experiencing this with me. I’ve been praying about this trip since before you could even sign up and now it’s really happening. I truly am speechless when it comes to how excited I am, but this is my attempt at trying to explain it. I am truly honored and blessed to have this opportunity as a 17 year old and am going to take as much away from it as I can.