Ambassador Mackenzie Stevenson
 | Mackenzie Stevenson is from Washington State. She graduated high school June 2011 and during her last 2 years of H.S. she completed 2 years of college. Mackenzie will graduate from Pierce College June 2012 with her Associates in Arts. She desires to ultimately become an Elementary Educator. She'll shortly be on her way to getting her Major in Elem. Ed, Minor in Spe. Ed, Teacher Certification and Masters in Education. One day she hopes to open a bakery. Mackenzie is an avid runner, completing her 6th Half Marathon early 2012. She enjoys water sports, working out, traveling, music, art, the outdoors and is currently participating in a local preliminary pageant, Miss Pierce County, for Miss Washington. |
Passionately purpose driven. A heart that aches to serve, that’s seeping ambition and eagerness at its seems. A life desiring an unequivocally quenching dare of embarrassing and accomplishing the deceivingly impossible or unreachable. To provide utter compassion to any takers. I am Mackenzie Stevenson, and I am hopelessly eager. Questioned as to what could fulfill all of these aches through this broken world. There are endless possibilities but none that quenched all of these aches. At the age of eighteen I took my first excursion out of the US and to a 3rd world country; out of my comfort and routine making myself utterly vulnerable. This country brought me to my knees with its differences and blessings in the people and culture. It withheld priceless opportunities. I experienced the unknown, the love and the need people had; and ultimately, I faced a life changing journey. Afterwards, I was set on going back to this designated 2nd home once more, this time for a month. When I had proposed this desire to my folks my father spoke these words to me, “There is no way you are going on this trip unless someone gives and gives generously.” And to face reality, the cold hard truth, I was a jobless full time college student, during the holidays and walking amidst the shadows of a nationally failing economy. I questioned deeply if it was even possible. My expectation was $30. I wondered if anyone would support me or donate financially at that. I was discouraged by my father’s seemingly stone cold words; but I was not crushed in spirit; in zeal. I was determined to show any doubter that it was possible. I want to continue serving an organization that had a hand in changing my life eternally. It changed my career and my future. I was now set out to raise an $1800 trip donation and a $1000 flight ticket…jobless, 18 years of age and on my own. I’d sent out over 100 business letters, I’d scouted my local churches and clubs as if they were sport teams and I’d made known to my family and friends my plans. In the end, after all those efforts, I‘d acquired only 3 small donations from family, 20 from friends and only 1 of the 100 businesses. And I’ll have you know, that 1 business out of 100, donated my entire flight ticket to me. Even more fascinating is I’d exceeded the $1800 trip donation and now held a plane ticket in hand…all within 3 months of deciding and committing to this trip. While I lived in the Dominican Republic I faced many challenges; in particular, breaking away from my routine. I was so set in my ways and to be honest I didn’t believe anything could change them. That is, until I found myself at 4 am with Jose, one of the orphan boys, talking to cows… I had finally overcome my 2nd challenge, taking a step back from my own practiced, routine, and comfortable way of life. My time in the Dominican Republic truthfully has got to be one of the most exquisite and sweetly majestic times in my life. I was so so safe, I was capable, I was confident, and I fulfilling more than I had ever dreamt I’d be doing. To be a part of something bigger than myself is indescribably. It is so much more than a self righteous fulfillment of feelings. These experiences had taken me down roads I’d never imagined walking. I will be making my 4th trip through Outreach360 this summer. Because I believe the best is yet to come, I need you to join me this summer too!
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