Well, hello there. It’s nice to see you. I’m glad you’ve stopped by to learn about me, about this amazing adventure I’m on and what God’s doing along the way. By reading these stories, and any stories from Racers on this adventure, you’re becoming a part of the journey. Sit back, take it in and be open to a change in you.
My first encounter with the World Race was when I was on a short term missions trip to Swaziland in 2013. We’d heard that there were two other teams in our region and the large team who was on a race.
A race? This sounded so strange.
We met part of the team while they were delivering vegetables from another CarePoint who had an over abundance of crops. This was my first introduction to The World Race. Serving for 11 months in 11 countries. I thought that is so cool but I could never do that.
There it was, planted in the back of my mind but solidly in my heart. 11 countries in 11 months. I’ve been following stories about racers for a while but never really allowed myself to think about me as a potential racer. I thought it would be great if I could get my life together enough to be able to participate in The Race before I turn 35 but it’s ok if that doesn’t happen. I lived in that place for several months. Maybe, if I get my life together. If I get my life together? What does that even mean?
I was struck by a thought about Jesus and his disciples. Jesus said to his disciples, ”follow me.” The simple statement is not accompanied by any addendums. Come, as you are, and follow me. All of the reasons, justifications and excuses I’ve had that prevented me from being open to going on The Race were crushed by the simplicity of the Jesus’ request. My dad’s words resonated most loudly when I told him about feeling as if God was calling me to do The Race. “If you feel as if that is where God is calling you, you have to be obedient. There is no other option.”
So, here I am in pursuit of an adventure with God in Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Glad you’re coming along with me.
Random Facts about Allison Monique Hernandez
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My birthday is on Saint Patrick’s day, which is on March 17th… every year. You would not believe the number of times I’ve been asked if it’s the same day every year.
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My older siblings are also born on the 17th of their respective birth months. My younger sister is born on the 28th… I’m not sure why my mom didn’t want to hold out for the 17th of the following month.
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I’ve lived in Fresno, CA since August 2003, with a few short stints back at my parent’s house. Fresno is about 3 hours north of my hometown of Santa Paula in Southern California, where a majority of my family lives.
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I graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a BA in Pre-Health Sciences and a minor in Art in 2007. Go Sunbirds! (Yes, I said sunbird. It’s a thing, look it up.)
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After many years of thinking I was going to be a doctor when I grew up, I actually grew up to become a Graphic Designer. It’s only a little different…
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I’ve perfected the ninja skill of not flinching when hit with a paperclip/wadded up post-it note.
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My favorite color is coral and my favorite scent is campfire at the ocean.
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I love the autumn and the colors of the fall leaves. The weather along Southern California coastline doesn’t know it should change with the seasons.
- Countries I’ve visited: Mexico, Canada, Spain, Uganda, DR Congo, Russia, France (walking around Paris for 30 minutes totally counts), Swaziland and South Africa.
