The word “short” is often associated with a lingering connotation of being “insufficient” or “not enough.”

It contains only a few letters and, as a personally vertically challenged human, I recognize I am limited and can’t reach things on the top shelf.

However, in reality, “short” can be extremely impactful and life-changing.

My 43 years on earth is a prime example of the power this misunderstood 5-letter word holds.

And, my recent 4-week short-term experience with IDEAS allowed me to leverage my skills and passion to bring hope to underserved communities across several countries.

A single short-term opportunity overseas forever altered my personal and, later, professional life, and God used it as a seed at a young age that sprouted beyond my wildest imagination.

That first decision many years ago to leave the familiar and serve those in need in another country shaped my perspective of humanity . . . my definition of reality . . . and my path to where I am and who I am today. It’s a strong statement but one that stems from serving internationally for over 27 years totaling over 40 trips that ranged from 5 days to 2 months at a time.

And a journey that is still not over.

Little did I know as a teenager that joining my church’s 2-week trip to Romania would be the catalyst that would lead to a passion that feeds my soul like nothing else. A calling and talent that wouldn’t be recognized until adulthood but is now used time and time again across developing nations.

That faithfulness and extreme exposure working overseas in small increments over decades prepared me for being an international photojournalist, documenting the work of nonprofits around the world to help them tell their story with excellence and continue to raise money for their life-saving and, often, soul-saving work.

I’ve always believed that every person should experience at least one short-term opportunity overseas that takes them out of their comfort zone to get a glimpse of life outside their norm (aka their bubble). I’ve accompanied many people on their first trip and, although some returned again and again, others severely struggled until they landed back home. But no matter the end result, each and every person’s view of the world and of God was altered.

Being taken outside their comfort zone and facing unique challenges helped them realize that they didn’t have all the answers.

Feeling out of place or ill-equipped left less room for them and more room for God to work.

Another benefit to this shot-gun style of serving is that it provides those with limited time and large commitments – family, job, school, etc. –  the opportunity to leave their surroundings and serve. Our faithfulness is never wasted nor judged on how long the experience lasts.

Just as the poor woman gave all she had with her two small copper coins, your 7 days given to help others are equally valuable.

Remember, generosity and faithfulness are not measured in time. They’re measured by one’s heart.

Lastly, some of the most beautiful gifts of working internationally are to see God’s creation outside our culture’s walls, to recognize commonalities that unite us more than differences that divide us, to serve some of the most vulnerable, to be challenged by the brave who make sacrifices to provide for their families and worship their Creator in less than ideal and often threatening circumstances, to realize that we are no greater or more valuable than those living in the poverty, to be reminded that happiness is possible even in dire situations, and to find beauty within brokenness.

We are all called to use our gifts and talents to serve one another. The need is great and never-ending. You don’t have to leave your backyard to find those in need and, likewise, you don’t have to move thousands of miles away to make a difference.

A short-term professional opportunity overseas with IDEAS provides a great opportunity to experience God’s beautiful melting pot while donating your time and skills to build the Kingdom.

Your time commitment may be small, but your impact will be vast!