Last week, I was blessed to have the opportunity to serve with a team of diverse individuals with a non-profit of which I serve on the board. One of my dreams in life has been to do missions as a mental health professional and over the past several years, the dream has become a reality. It began as I started consulting with a ministry in the Philippines in 2019 resulting in a trip in 2023 (due to Covid pushing back the original travel dates) which is now an ongoing partnership, a trip to Europe to work with Ukrainian orphan refugees in 2023, and this year so far to Nicaragua.
As I sit and reflect on the trip to Nicaragua, the likely “high” of the trip was being able to have a front-row seat to the experience changing the life of a first-timer. One of my amazing counseling staff members was able to go with me to teach and train the staff of a ministry organization that serves the poor in Nicaragua in various ways. She said it was a “bucket list” item to go on a “mission trip”. Later on, I learned that she promised her dad in her last conversation on earth with him that she would “change the world” and this was an effort to keep her promise.
Watching her experience a new culture, seeing people live in some of the poorest conditions in the world, wash feet and then pass out shoes to grateful children, feed a community of hungry people, hold a baby who had no diaper (yes even this is a luxury for some), train a staff on trauma who were overwhelmed with their work, work on the fly with anything thrown at her, deliver bunk beds and mattresses to those who’ve never had one, room with a stranger, and SO much more WAS so beautiful to me.
It was beautiful to see the tears that flowed as she realized how blessed she truly was with material possessions. It was beautiful to see her concern over the lack of support she received from her friends who didn’t “understand” her going on a mission trip. Beautiful to see start a trip with strangers and return home with friends for life although from ALL walks of life. Beautiful to see her grow as she was completely out of her comfort zone. Beautiful to see her struggle with the emotions of all that comes with serving in such a way. Beautiful to see her heart for God in serving and so much more.
My goal in missions was always to bring mental health resources and hope to those who lacked access. As I said “yes” to the Lord in small things he asked of me, He has taken me on such an adventure with him where all of my dreams have come true. The most amazing thing about it all though is the things I never even dreamed of being gifted to me as well, like the beauty of watching dreams transform the lives of those you never even planned or thought of in the process.
While the world may seem so broken in so many ways, going to Nicaragua, and working with the Hope Project International and Present Age Ministries truly gave me so much hope in this present age as long as we focus on serving God and loving others.
If you’d like to learn more about these adventures, how you can get involved, or how you can seek to have a team help your mission, stay in touch with us on social media, this blog, and associated websites.
https://counselor-threads.myshopify.com
http://www.concord-nacounseling.com
FB: Natalie Atwell
IG: @drnatalieatwell @counselorthreads
Be hopeful today as you serve and love others,
Dr. Natalie Atwell
PS My book is finally about to be released by June 2024!!! Stay tuned…
