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.