Hello Everyone!
This is my first blog post as an official world racer! Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement for my upcoming adventure! God has been calling me to the mission field since I was twelve years old. So, this is a huge answer to prayer, as well as the beginning of a very new chapter in my life.
I remember the moment I felt that this trip was indeed what God was calling me to. It was a late (late!) night about a week before Christmas. I couldn’t fall asleep, nor had I been able to for days. I could not get the idea of the World Race Gap Year trip out of my head. I had spent hours researching, and had tried to put it out of my mind. But I just couldn’t stop hoping, and turning over the possibility. I tried logic. There was NO WAY I could afford this. I didn’t have a job. I had no savings. But God gave me this verse. Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” So I tried personal reasons. Would my parents like the idea of me being half-way across the world for nine months? Was I brave enough to do this? Could God really use me? I had dreamed about mission work for years, but now that it was staring me in the face, I was terrified! At the same time I wanted to live in need of God. I didn’t want to live like God was a spare tire anymore. I wanted to live as if I only had God, and if He wasn’t there, I would be in trouble. Because I’ve noticed something. When we live in need of God, true need, He comes through. Again, God gave me a verse. Psalms 37:23 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” So I continued to pray. Asking, begging, pleading with God to show me if this really was what I was what he wanted me to do. Then, God gave me this verse. Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” That was it. That was what I needed to hear! So now, all I needed to do was to convince my parents, get a job, and raise all that money. Easy.
I told my parents the very next morning. They weren’t opposed, but they wanted to pray about it.
Fast forward a week. (A long week of waiting for me) My mom comes home from visiting my grandpa. And she tells me that she had been praying long and hard and felt clearly that this was what God was calling me to do. YEAH!!!!! I was crying, laughing, and talking at the same time. One of my fears about the trip was being stilled before my eyes. My parents were in!
A couple days, and several applications later. I have a job interview, and I get the job the same day. Making more than I was expecting to, and working more hours than I thought they would let me! Wow! And the same week, One of my dad’s friends wants to donate a large amount of money. WHAT?????? Another fear is stilled. Funds!
So, with my new job and some amazing friends, I am now completely positive that God will continue provide for my trip. He is showing me that if He guides, He provides! So, I am thrilled to be starting this new adventure with God at my side!
Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’ ”
Here I am, Lord. Send Me.
