No matter how much you think you're prepared for a mission trip, nothing truly prepares your heart for what you’ll experience. At the beginning of April, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with Morgan from the afternoon show and a few others from Hope Media Group. Compassion International invited us to see firsthand the work being done through their local church partners.

We flew into Santo Domingo and spent seven days traveling and learning, including a visit to Punta Cana. I thought I had an idea of what to expect. After all, I grew up in Chicago. I’d seen poverty up close—places like Cabrini-Green, where hardship was a daily reality. But what I saw on this trip still surprised me.

On our first day, we visited the countryside outside Santo Domingo. There, we learned the average monthly salary is around $100. (Yes, monthly.) We visited a local church that had been part of the Compassion program for about two years. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the joyful laughter of children ages 4 to 7, and soon we were singing and dancing with them.

What struck me most was the overwhelming joy. Not sadness. Not despair. Despite such deep poverty, these children were filled with joy. The kind of joy that can only come from the Lord. They weren’t weighed down by what they lacked; they were lifted by what they had: love, hope, and faith.

And then… I met Miss Nancy.

She was washing dishes in a tiny outdoor kitchen, really just a covered area, no bigger than a small walk-in closet. Something about her spirit drew me in, so I asked if she would share her story. Her eyes lit up. She told me she was honored just to be asked.

Miss Nancy is 47. A widow. She lost her husband to cancer—and two years later, her 27-year-old daughter to the same disease. She is now raising her six-year-old grandson, who is part of the Compassion program. Recently, she reconciled with her 24-year-old daughter, who now helps her care for their family.

When I asked her what it’s like to cook in that small kitchen, tears filled her eyes. But she smiled and said, "They’re happy tears."

She told me it’s a privilege to cook for the children. She sees it as a God-given talent—one passed down from her mother and grandmother. “These kids feel like they’re mine,” she said. “And I show them love through food.” The more we talked, the more I felt the love of Jesus just shining through this dear woman.

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
—James 1:27 (NLT)

When we hugged goodbye, I told her I would share her story. She was so grateful. “Most people don’t think about the cook in the kitchen,” she said. “This is the first time anyone asked about my life—or how God redeemed it.”

If you’ve ever felt like, “I’m just a mom,” or “I’m just a homemaker,” I want you to remember Miss Nancy. She has nothing. Absolutely nothing by the world’s standards, and yet richer in the spirit of God than anyone I have ever met!

God is using her in mighty ways He is using you, too.

Later that week, we attended Compassion’s Alumni Dinner—where former Compassion kids, now adults, share how the program changed their lives.  One man named Levi stood up and said, “I was a bit of a problem child. Got into trouble a lot. But the cook showed me the love of Jesus…”

Then came Kathryn, whose heartbreaking story left the whole room in tears. She said the one place she felt safe growing up was—you guessed it—the kitchen. “The cook showed me the love of Jesus.”

I was undone.

God gave me such a clear glimpse of His heart through Miss Nancy. The kitchen. The cook. The woman no one saw—but God did. And He used her to change lives.

Friend, don’t discount the role God gave you. Don’t hide it. Celebrate it. Whether you're a mom, a teacher, a volunteer, or yes, a cook—your purpose matters. Your love matters.

God is using you right where you are.

If you’re feeling inspired by Miss Nancy’s story, I’d encourage you to listen to “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll. It beautifully captures the perseverance of faith and the joy that comes from serving others—even in life's hardest moments. This song reminds us that every act of love, no matter how small it may seem, is a powerful testimony of God’s grace.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
—Colossians 3:23 (NIV)