Some have a love for children, teaching or writing. But senior Sarah Davis’ love is for Poland.

Davis has been to Poland five times, every summer for the past five years and still cannot get enough of being there.

“I went to Poland for the first time the summer before my senior year of high school. My church was taking a mission trip there, and I signed up because it looked like fun,” Davis said. “My friend had gone the year before and he had shown his pictures and it just looked like it would be a cool experience. I really had no expectations that first year.”

Even though her first visit to Poland was just by suggestion, it has opened up a new path for Davis’ future. Now Davis has gotten a chance to share her passion with others. But this year Davis had a jam-packed schedule of helping and guiding two students she took along with her.

“This year I brought two high school students along with me for the summer. We began meeting months before leaving for Poland, for preparation,” Davis said. “I spent the summer mentoring them and guiding them. The purpose of my bringing them to Poland was to give them a taste of what long-term missions might be like, and to allow them to use their gifts and talents in serving another country.”

Davis’ future plans revolve around being in Poland as a missionary and truly learning the culture.

“I plan to spend six months in Poland studying the language and working to set up long-term living arrangements,” Davis said. “I would eventually like to be living in Poland as a supported missionary.”

Davis also has a passion for youth. This past summer she worked at many camps mentoring and reaching out to Polish youth.

“It is my desire to work with the Polish youth,” Davis said. “Mainly through summer camps, tutoring and mentoring programs, and teaching English as a second language. I would also like to work with the Christian Polish youth, training them to be leaders in their churches and communities.” 

Along with the high school students that came along with her. Davis’ church also sent a group of people to Poland this summer. Davis met up with the group while helping a one of the camps she worked at. Cornerstone freshman Ethan Haas came along with the church group.

“This was my first time going to Poland and I went to work with teens in a Bible camp,” Haas said. “She met up with our group at Bible camp. I think Sarah most assuredly has what it takes to be a missionary. She has such a heart for God and she has a real heart for kids.”

Poland was Davis’ first time out of the United States and though she has been to Poland five times she hasn’t been anywhere else, but this while in Poland this year Davis was able to visit the Ukraine.

“Myself, along with the two students, traveled with the Polish youth group from the Baptist church in Łódź, Poland to Lviv, Ukraine,” Davis said.  “We spent a week there working with a church that is comprised mostly of orphans and ex-convicts.”

Davis’ plan for the future definitely has Poland attached to it. Davis’ passions fit well together and now she is headed down a path that can help her to help others and be a light for Christ. 

“God has placed such a passion in my heart for the people of Poland,” Davis said. “Every time I come home from my time over there I leave a little piece of my heart behind. Nothing brings me more joy than to watch as my friends in Poland transform and grow in Christ.”