I'm glad that you have a heart for missions and am delighted that you are taking the Perspectives course. I'm sure it has opened your eyes to God's heart for the world and His desire for all of us to find our place in His purpose. Your inability to travel outside the USA represents no limitation to your involvement in God's mission. With your interest in children and youth, your ability to speak Spanish, and your communicative skills, you can find plenty to do right where you are. This is where God wants us to begin, anyhow.

Getting involved in a local church is crucial. As you look for a congregation, check out the description we have of the first Christian church in Acts 2:41-47. Here was a group of people who were receiving good teaching from the Apostles, they experienced rich fellowship with other believers, they were experiencing prayer together, and the group was concerned about each other's physical needs. You will probably not be able to find a perfect situation, but these characteristics of a healthy church will help you in your search.

As you develop your relationship to the people there and grow in confidence, look for opportunities to serve. You may want to begin with children. Be willing to start as someone's assistant. Be open to new challenges. In this way you will grow in your dependence on the Lord and as you pray for His direction you will be amazed at how He opens doors for you. In other words, your "mission" will start where you are, and as you grow in faith, obedience, knowledge, and skill, you will find that God will expand your opportunities.

Blessings on you, María. El Señor te ama y tiene mucho más para ti que pudieras imaginar!

Jack