Growing up as a Preacher’s kid, it was impossible not to know the Lord. I always was one of the smartest and best behaved in my Sunday School classes, and I was accepted (for the most part) in school. My life was fine so I never thought it needed fixing. As I said, I have always known the Lord, but it wasn’t until four years ago that I began to love the Lord. The Lord came in, not to fix my life but to wreck it, beautifully wreck it. He has completely transformed my mindset and my desires. I no longer feel the stress to be perfect, because that was Jesus’s job. His embrace has allowed me to feel comfort within the chaos, rest during the pressures, and joy in any moment. My life is no longer just fine, its magnificent.
This upcoming May I will be graduating from Roswell High School. My senior year has consisted of making lifelong memories and making lifelong decisions. As I began the exciting and stressful process of applying to colleges, something did not seem right. As my friends were committing to their “dream schools” and figuring out what they wanted to study, I was left confused because I could not get a peace about choosing a college or major. However, the Lord quickly transformed the stress and indecision into certainty. After having countless conversations with family and friends, seeking advice from mentors, and praying (and praying) for guidance, I realized the Lord was tugging my heart to embark on a different journey, an unordinary journey.
Throughout my life I have had beautiful opportunities to do mission work in South Africa, Guatemala, Ecuador, Estonia and across the States. Working as the hands of our Lord has not only humbled my mind, but also ignited passions in my heart. I always hoped that I would eventually have the chance to do mission work for an extended amount of time, but I never expected that that chance would be now. I say with great joy that this upcoming year will be an opportunity for me to live out my passions, and live solely for Jesus.
The World Race Gap Year will be nine radical months and I have never looked forward to anything more. Honestly I am excited to get away from school responsibilities, television and various obligations I tie myself down to. I am excited to focus all my attention on loving the Lord, devout all my energy to bringing Glory to His name, and grow in community with followers of my King. I am excited to develop daily habits of growing closer to my God. I am excited shed off the coats of appearance and acceptance and live raw before the Lord. I am excited to be radically molded by the hands of my creator. I AM EXCITED TO RACE.
