I was challenged to introduce another squadmate to all of you. I decided however, to interview a future racer and an alumni racer. I am excited to introduce you to
Mariah Brammer and Missy Hollinger!
Mariah is on my squad and will be traveling with me this year. She was the first person on the squad to reach out to me even before training camp had stated. She and I have a connection of Denver and shared a tent for a night during a field scenario at Training Camp. She is energetic and has a heart of gold.
Missy went on the race back in 2012 and is one of my second cousins. I did not know she did the race until I had already signed up for it. She has been an inspiration and a HUGE encouragement to me through this whole process
.
What were you doing before the race? What motivated you to do the race?
MARIAH: Before the Race, I was an evening supervisor at a group home working with disabled adults. With being at the job for a year and a half, I was getting antsy for something else, something more, something different. I felt God instantly put missions on my heart, similar to the trips I have gone on in the past, but it was to be farther away from home for a longer period of time. For the last 2 years, God has put someone in my life who was/is a Racer. Friends from high school, summer camp, college, and work. After conversing with them, I felt reassured that I was to look more into it, and sure enough, God’s timing made it all possible!
MISSY: Before the race, I was working at Starbucks trying to move up in the company. One afternoon, I was hiking with my best friend Morgan. We were just walking along and she said, Miss- I have the perfect missions trip for us! I said, oh yeah! What is it?? and she said, well it’s for 11 months and you go to 11 countries. It’s called the World Race.
My first reaction was- I can’t leave work. So I shut her off. Well- I can shut Morgan out, but you can’t shut God out! And God wouldn’t let it out of my head. So annoyed, I decided to check it out. I spent HOURS reading the website and watched every video. I decided to fill out the application.
What are you most excited for? Most nervous for?
MARIAH: I am very excited just to restore hope in all of our countries that we get to visit. Whether they are part of our ministry or not, just to be a listener, encourager, to show them His love. I am excited to have a team/squad who will be experiencing a similar journey as me, who will pray for me, challenge me, encourage me.
I am most nervous for the eating part of the race. I wouldn’t consider myself a picky eater, but a ‘not- adventurous’ one; meaning I get similar food wherever I go, but I like the majority of food. It will be important to eat what is provided by ministries to be respectful of course, and also to live a life that is similar to theirs and their culture.
I am really excited to work in the countries in Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand). I am sure we will work alongside all sorts of ministries, but I hope that I am able to work along side young kids whether that be in a school or orphanage, but also to partner with ministries whom work with persons with disabilities, whether its physical and/or developmental.
MISSY:Africa, it’s where I felt my heart come alive!
I was most nervous about being able to make it. I was afraid it would get too hard and that I would quit. I was also nervous, about my life changing (because I dislike change) and I was selling all my stuff and quitting my job to do what I felt like the Lord was calling me to do. It’s scary to just walk out in faith like that.
What did God teach you on the Race or what is God teaching you currently during this pre-launch season?
MARIAH:In this pre-launch season, I have been learning the importance of devoting time to family, friends, and Him every day. To be present and not be distracted by the worldly things around me. I am also learning to give it all to Him, when my mind begins to race with all these questions of worry, doubt, and fear. As I have learned in the past that we have a God who equips the called (not calls the equipped), therefore there is no need to worry or fear, because God is the Almighty, He will take care of me and will protect me where I go, and give me the words, action, and strength to do His will!
MISSY: The race has totally changed me from the inside out. I see Jesus now as a Father and not as a Strict God. And when you see God as a Father, it usher in intimacy and love and Grace. It has made me a better leader in all areas of my life.
Any last words or advice?
MARIAH: I am very excited to embark on this journey with other young adult Christ followers. I am thankful for my family, friends, and supporters who believe in our generation to go and further His Kingdom all around the world. I can’t wait to gain lifelong friendships and gain new brothers & sisters- in Christ. This journey will be joyful, challenging, awkward, and rewarding. I can’t wait to see how God will work for, in, and through me for the next year of my life!
MISSY:I would say, Enjoy every minute of your race. Soak in every minute with your squad mates, because you will miss them like crazy. They will be your best friends forever… so go to the hard places with them- give them the hard feedback that you have, because you will only make them better, for what God has for them!
