1) I would encourage you to share your vision with your pastor. He knows you and knows your parents and should be able to help you know how to deal with them. It is surprising that if your parents are believers that their only response to your future work would be in terms of economics. I'm sure they want the best for you and are eager for you to be happy and comfortable, but the Bible shows us the contrast between "what the Gentiles seek" (food and clothes) and the priority of seeking God's Kingdom - which is your concern (note Matthew 6:25 to 34). God has promised to take care of those who obey Him.

2) I would also suggest that you begin praying about what you might like to do as a missionary. Since you have taken many mission trips and your have been moved to consider missions as a career, there must be some activities that draw you. You could also talk to your pastor about different mission agencies of which he is aware and which he favors. If some part of the world particularly interests you or some kind of ministry touches your heart as a possible means of serving God, these details can also help you choose an agency. I could also give you some suggestions. It would help you to begin corresponding with agencies and see the opportunities they offer. You can also use search engines. Here are two: a) Right Now http://www.rightnow.org/worldConnection.aspx b) Mission finder: http://www.missionfinder.org/

3) Coming back to your parents with more specific criteria than just a "dream," your parents may take your calling more seriously. As you study Scripture each day and the Lord reconfirms your call, I would encourage you to share this with your parents. The Book of Acts demonstrates how central a mission vision was to the Early Church. Also, note the five "Commissions,” one at the end of each Gospel and Acts 1:8. You might like to read some of my stories of missionaries down through the ages (www.urbana.org / Great Cloud of Witnesses) and share some that you find particularly compelling with your parents.

4) You need to show your parents that you respect them and their concern for your welfare. At the same time, the Scripture clearly shows that the Lord wants His people to be concerned about mission. Note 1 Peter 2:9, where all God’s people are expected to share the “praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Also, that in every generation He calls some to leave their homes to serve Him in a cross-cultural setting. Moody Bible Institute is a great school with a long history of mission preparation. My own parents graduated from there! The professors will be a big help in refining your vision for mission service as well as preparing you to serve effectively.

5) Above all, Tiffany, make this issue a matter of daily prayer. Ultimately, the issue is a spiritual one. Pray both for the focus of your missionary vision and that your parents may open their eyes to see what a privilege it is for them that they have a daughter eager to serve the Lord. What a blessing it would be for you if when you leave for mission service your parents would be your major cheering squad and prayer supporters.

Blessings on you.