Kisses from Alyx
05 February, 2015
Bright, bubbly 19-year-old Alyx Troupe has a massive Twitter following, enjoys fashion and makeup, and even has a Mercedes convertible parked in her garage at her family's estate in Oregon. Having had an upringing of luxury and ease, she recently decided to trade it all for a year with nothing. Currently living as a missionary in Uganda, Africa, Alyx is living a lifestyle much different than what she's used to. As an avid Starbucks drinker and Snapchat sender, she found herself far, far from her comfort zone. Although tough at first, Alyx has slowly been learning the art of simplicity, finding that happiness isn't granted by getting, but by giving. My dear Alyx has a heart of gold, and as you can see above, children adore her. Having lived with Alyx for three months in Antigua, Guatemala, we've laughed, cried, prayed, and played together. Please keep Alyx and the Uganda ministry in your prayers!
1. Have you been forced to trust God this year?
I have had to trust God every second. I would not be in Africa if I wasn’t trusting that God has a plan for me. I would have given up a long time ago. I know I'm exactly where He wants me, and I'm learning every step of the way!
2. How have you been looking to God for strength?
In the beginning, to be honest, I was relying on my own strength instead of His. I had slouched off on my devotions in the morning and just didn’t really care. But then, as of recently within the last month, I have really been drawing near to the Lord and rebuilding that relationship with Him because I realized that I couldn’t do it on my own strength anymore. I need Him like I need air to breath, especially in Africa!
3. What has been the most rewarding part of your trip?
Kids, kids, kids! The children here in Uganda are so loveable. They focus on others more than themselves; if you give one of them a cookie they will break it into little pieces and share it with every one of their friends! Even through harship, they constantly have smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. The kids are teaching me more than I'm teaching them!
4. Could you see yourself serving as a missionary forever?
That's a tough question, I really don't know. I'm only 19, and I miss my family and friends so badly. I miss being in America, as bad as that might sound! Don’t get me wrong, I love Africa. But it’s hard being away from what I have grown up with all my life! Being a lifelong missionary is something only some are called to. I will have to wait and trust in Him to lead me where I belong.
5. What has been the hardest part of your trip?
The hardest part of the trip has been living in a house with seven different people with seven different personalities. Although not blood related, we've become a family. We don't always get along, but we really do love each other and know why God brought us together under one roof. It's been challenging, but like iron sharpens iron, we are growing from each other! I thank God for my new Ugandan family.
