Since I was a child, I have always listened to stories of people traveling to different countries and becoming missionaries. The idea of becoming a missionary myself seemed idyllic, especially when I was younger. As the years went on and I continued to see people go and serve, I felt even more called to follow their path. I could sense that God wanted me to go. Finally, I knew I could not sit around anymore, so I decided to take the next step. That late-night decision changed my life before I could begin to measure how much impact it would have. And although I was unsure how this journey would turn out, I knew God had a plan. 
Somehow, during student missionary training, a small pink flamingo came into our lives as we prepared to launch. He showed up one day at our breakfast table, and we decided to name him Fred. As the month of training was ending, we each got a flamingo during our agape feast and took our little Freds with us to our countries to serve.

Through it all, Fred reminded us that this journey is not one we go on alone. We are joined on this journey of exploring and working in our countries (Cambodia for me) by other missionaries and those like you who are passionate about sharing the word of God. Most importantly, God joins us.

Throughout my time in Cambodia, I got to work with many children and adults and see how small things can impact people, even if we do not see the impact right away. I made friends with people I never could have imagined meeting years ago, including other missionaries, and I got to hear about their experiences in life and how they have navigated the difficulties they have faced. I tried my best to carry Fred with me as a motivator for each of us to continue our mission through the highs and lows, the big and small moments we encounter.

And this summer, as those of us who returned from serving met the new student and short-term missionaries completing their training, we presented them with their own little Freds during their graduation ceremony—a little reminder that as they go to the field, they are joining those who have already served. We are all in this task of reaching the unreached together.

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