She Left Home To Follow God… And Her First Day Was Harder Than She Expected

What happens when faith takes you somewhere far from home?

In this deeply personal episode, Jeanelle shares the honest story of arriving in Malawi for the first time. The excitement of answering God’s call quickly collided with the reality of distance, exhaustion, culture, and the emotional weight of leaving family behind.

Her first day was filled with powerful moments—chapel with students from around the world, walking through classrooms filled with children from multiple nations, and beginning the first steps of what will become months of service.

But behind the excitement was something many missionaries rarely talk about:

Loneliness.

Uncertainty.

And the quiet battle of the mind.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What it actually feels like to land in a new country alone

• The emotional reality of the first 24 hours on the mission field

• Why fixing your mind on Christ becomes essential when everything feels unfamiliar

• The beauty of seeing many cultures worship and learn together

• How faith carries you when your heart misses home

Jeanelle’s story is a reminder that following God often leads us far outside our comfort zones—but never outside His presence.

If you’ve ever wondered what the beginning of a mission journey really looks like, this episode will give you an honest and encouraging glimpse.

Stay connected for more updates from Malawi.

Four Days Before Malawi… And I Almost Gave Up.

Four days before leaving for Malawi, the pressure hit.

Last-minute responsibilities. Heavy thoughts. Spiritual warfare that felt personal.

And for the first time, the question surfaced:

“Maybe it’s time to quit.”

In this vulnerable weekly update, Jeanelle shares the real battle behind preparing for missions — the mental resistance, the spiritual opposition, and the scripture that carried her through.

From 2 Thessalonians 3:13 —

“Do not grow weary in doing good.”

To 1 Timothy 1:18 —

“Engage in the battle.”

This isn’t just about a trip.

It’s about learning how to fight when your mind tells you to stop.

If you’ve ever felt opposition right before stepping into something God called you to… this episode is for you.

What do you do when God asks you to pause the “normal” path—and say yes to something unknown?

In this episode, I share the heart behind my decision to move to Malawi for several months and what the Lord has placed on my heart while I’m there. From serving elementary students in a Christ-centered school, to walking closely with young women through worship nights, Bible studies, and honest conversations about faith, integrity, and relationships—this journey isn’t about a short mission trip. It’s about presence.

I talk openly about the weight of going alone, stepping into a new culture and language, and choosing obedience over comfort. This is not about being a savior—it’s about being faithful. Living life alongside the people God has called me to love, listen to, learn from, and walk with.

If you’ve ever felt called to something that doesn’t fit the expected timeline of college, career, or comfort… this episode is for you.

I also share how you can pray, partner, and walk with me as God works in Malawi—because He’s moving there just as powerfully as He is here.

Love you, family. Thank you for being part of this journey.

How You Can Be Part of This

🙏 Pray

Ask the Lord how He wants you to engage. Pray for protection, wisdom, humility, and deep relationship-building.

🤝 Give

Your financial support directly sustains this mission and makes it possible for me to stay, serve, and walk faithfully in Malawi.

📩 Connect

If you’d like to hear more of my story or understand how this journey is unfolding, I would love to connect with you personally.