Back in September, the most that any of us had to worry about was what dress we were going to wear to Homecoming. However, that was not the case for junior Samantha Kendall. While most of us were getting our costumes together for twin day, Kendall was packing for a trip that would change her life forever.
On Wednesday, September 22, while we were all choosing our get-ups for blackout day, Kendall was getting on a plane that would be taking her to Swaziland, Africa. She is going for 17 days to do work with her church and she will also be interacting with the natives.
First, she had to raise enough money to fund her travels. She sent letters out to families she knew and made speeches at her church asking for donations.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Kendall said. “But I had always wanted to go to Africa ever since one of my closest friends went. I knew it was going to take a lot of time and dedication, but in the end it’d be worth it.”
She also sold necklaces that she made with a charm in the shape of Africa. They ended up being a huge hit around school.
“I never thought they’d get as popular as they did,” Kendall said. “I only made about ten at first, and suddenly everyone started wanting one.”
After finally raising enough money for all of her traveling funds, Kendall’s dream of going to Africa became a reality.
“My life is going to change, and I am so ready for that to happen,” Kendall said “God is going to use me in ways I can’t even imagine. It probably won’t be what I’m expecting, and I’m okay with that because I know He’ll be with me every step of the way.”