An unexpected journey begins

After months of prayer and questioning myself what it is I was going to do after graduating high school, I came across an Instagram post that introduced me to the world race. After seeing the post I was instantly intrigued. I have always been one for adventure especially when the mission is for the Kingdom. I began praying and speaking to my parents for months leading up to the application process. On September 25th I sent in my application, two weeks later I got a call saying I would be a great fit and all I had to do now was “accept my acceptance”. I continued to pray and felt led to commit to the mission. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be saying no to college for a year to backpack to three different countries. Being in God’s will can lead you to unexpected journeys that you never feel prepared for. The reality is, He is always with us guiding and preparing us for what He has called us to do. So the secret’s out: after graduating high school in may, I will be leaving the country for 9 months doing mission work and serving alongside like-minded individuals my age. My team and I will be going to three countries and staying three months in each. Staying for three months in each country gives us enough time to “serve the least of these, among real and raw community while investing into their local communities creating lasting relationships.”

My journey will begin in Romania. The World Race partners love relational ministry and ask racers to spend lots of time getting to know people over coffee, long walks, or dinner. In this country, I will likely get to share my faith passing out eyeglasses and bibles in the local language. There is also a large Romani population. These people are often rejected and discriminated against. We will be spending time in these communities getting to know their people and share the love of Christ with them.

Next, my gap year will take me to Costa Rica. The main focus for us racers will be partnering with local churches to share the gospel with rural communities, especially in impoverished border towns. We will also have the opportunity to minister to the surfer community while leading camps for kids on the beach. 

Lastly, my gap year journey will wrap up in Ecaudor. One of the smallest countries in south America. We will have opportuines to serve in many ways. These being, ministering to children living on the streets, serving in hospitals for people with special needs, spending time in elderly homes, working with feeding programs, and teaching English. Over all our time in Ecaudor will be spent building relationships and sharing our hope and joy in Christ with everyone we meet along the way. 

Soo, the journey begins. I would like to ask each of you to join me on this journey,  you can do so by praying for my team as we prepare to launch, also by giving financially if you feel led to do so. Thank you for taking the time to read this and supporting my mission.