Hi! I'm Sophie and in August 2022 I'll be going on a mission trip with Experience Mission! This is a big step, but I am really excited for the adventure and to grow in my faith.

For anyone who knows me, this announcement may have come as a shock to you! I am not really one to step out of my comfort zone, but I believe that I have been called to join this mission trip. Every step of the way doors have been closed to lead me to this one door left wide open.

In the past, I have had ideas about what job I would like to do, sometimes I was so sure that I would spend hours researching it, excited about the prospect of the job, and telling everyone about what it was that I was going to be. And then I would change my mind and the process would happen all over again. This last year was different. I felt this pressure to choose exactly what I wanted to do as a career for the rest of my life. I had no idea what I wanted to become or who I wanted to be. I decided to just forget about it, to leave it until “it really mattered” in September.

I went to Orbital Youth in the Summer, 5 nights of camping and spending time with youth from all over the island. It was an amazing experience where everyone grew a little more in faith together. Every single talk, both morning and evening, every single conversation I had, I found I could apply it to my life, to decisions I have previously made, and to decisions I will have to make in the future. I found it quite challenging to reflect and to to think about who I would become. In all of these conversations, gap years, mission trips, travel and stepping out in faith would come up somehow. By the end of the week, I knew that serving others, growing in my faith and experiencing new cultures was something that I wanted to do. Making the 'big life-changing decision' that would determine what I would do as a career for the rest of my life didn't seem so big anymore. I felt at peace about it.

I still didn't know exactly what it was that God was calling me to. I prayed over it, did lots of research, spoke to some close friends for guidance, and came across Experience Mission. Everything fell into place so quickly and seamlessly that I knew it was right, and I now know I will be going to the places that God wants me to go to. I have already learnt to put my life into God's hands, to let go of control and the need to know what is going to happen next, and I am so excited to learn more lessons throughout this year of fundraising, preparing for the trip, and then on the trip itself. If you would like to know more about the Mission Trip, whether it's about where I will be going, what I will be doing, or anything about the organisation itself, then please feel free to ask me any questions, or click on the 'Learn More' button on this page.

I want to thank you so much for your support, every donation is a step closer. If you feel that you can't support me financially, prayers for this adventure would also be greatly appreciated!