Karli was called to volunteer in Iceland. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes her tasks were not what she was expecting, but she learned to trust God in a whole new way.
Iceland is often called the land of fire and ice. Volcanoes and glaciers. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and listen.
For Karli, listening to God had already taken her far from home in the United States. She had spent several years serving as an Adventist volunteer in Norway.
When that chapter ended, she didn’t know where God would lead next, only that she wanted to keep serving Him wherever He placed her. That’s when God opened the door to Iceland.
“It was never like God told me directly what to do. It was more like, ‘that would be cool’—and then God opened the door,” Karli said.
Originally from Alaska in the United States, Karli came to Iceland as a volunteer. She didn’t arrive with a detailed plan, just willingness to serve where God was leading.
“When I arrived, it [the plan] was figure out the need and do that,” she said.
Sometimes, serving meant simple, everyday help—joining local families in the rhythms of life there. Sometimes there were a few unexpected moments.
“There’s a family in the church that has a sheep farm, and in the autumn we hike up into the mountains and help bring the sheep down… You’re basically wrestling sheep and trying to get them into the right pen,” Karli said.
Over time, Karli’s work focused more on youth and young adults, creating spaces for connection and spiritual growth. As Karli served, her own faith was stretched and reinforced along the way.
“There’s been a lot of really coming to challenge my idea of what is faith. Like, how much do I actually trust God?” she said.
Living far from home hasn’t always been easy. There have been sacrifices and moments of uncertainty. But there has also been fulfillment.
“As hard as it has been… I wouldn’t trade any of this,” Karli said.
Karli didn’t begin this journey knowing exactly where God would take her. She simply wanted to serve Him, and she trusted Him to lead.
Today, God is still opening doors. Still inviting people to serve. If you’ve ever wondered where God might be calling you next, there are opportunities to explore, to listen, and to step forward.
Learn more about serving as an Adventist volunteer at vividfaith.com.
You never know where God might take you in your willingness to serve.
