Since I have committed to the World Race Gap Year many people have asked me why I want to travel the world and do mission work. I’ve had some people guess that it’s because I don’t know what I want to do with my life and this is an easy way out. Or maybe it’s because I want to try to change the world. Then there are some people who have no idea why and think that I’m out of my mind for wanting to go half way across the country with all that’s going on in today’s society.
A while ago I was told “You’re just being adventurous!,” which thinking about it a part of me sees that in myself.. the adventurous type. But when one of my best friends said that to me I felt like I needed to tell him the real reason why I’m doing this. No it’s not an “easy way out,” actually this is so far from easy. No I probably won’t change the world.. but the world is probably going to change me. Yes. I know what’s going on in the world… but I’m not going to let fear of the unknown keep me from fulfilling the call that God has put on my life!
There are actually two reasons. The first reason. I know this is what God is calling me to. He has made it clear to me in so many ways. The second reason..this is what I love.. helping people and being with people. I love the idea of people. I love hearing people laugh and the fact that smiles can be brought to their faces by the simplest of things. I love the fact that there are people in this world who look at each and everyone of us as their brothers and sisters. I love knowing that I have people on my side because I’m on God’s side. I love language barriers, and the silliness that it brings when you have no idea what’s being said. The fact that a smile and laughter are universal languages that no one can mess up. I love crying with people. Being able to break down in front of someone with the realization that we are all broken and none of us are perfect. The fact that I’ve gone from the point of wanting to give up to finding strength in God and being able to help others find that same strength. It’s something that makes me want to smile and cry at the same time.
Honestly the feeling that missions gives me is something that is so hard to explain to people. It’s something that wrecks you and breaks your heart into a billion pieces one minute and then God brings alongside someone who helps you pick those pieces back up and glue them all back together. It’s about living in community with people and realizing that none of us have the same things and none of us are exactly alike. Realizing that God has made each and everyone of us different for a reason.
Prayer Requests:
-Happy New Year! I am so excited to see what God has in store for this year and hey 9 months until I’ll be headed across the world! With this. I have become impatient. So please pray for patience as this process is going to be very long and challenging!
-I have met so many people since I have been accepted! People all of the United States who have felt like family since day one! So with meeting all of these wonderful and God loving people, please pray for all of us that we can put our trust in God that He will provide the funds for our trip and that God will be working in each and everyone of us at home as we are so excited for this journey together!
-Lastly I am a little over 12% funded so please be in prayer with me that God will give me the words to share with others as I am talking with people about my trip daily. That He will provide people along the way that will be excited to be a part of my mission!
Thank you to all who have supported me so far, you are a huge part of all of this and please continue to be in prayer about my trip. Also if anyone has any questions please contact me! I’d love to answer them!
Thanks to all,
Bailea 🙂
