How it all began: My life and heart have undergone a change of desire and redirected me down a different path than I’d never seriously thought of taking in the past. I’ve always been slightly interested in going into the mission field but never thought too seriously about it. It wasn’t until freshman year of college I had a mentor who told me about this thing called the World Race. Little did I know that this bit of information helped water the desire for missions that was the size of a mustard seed.
As college progressed, I lived out the college lifestyle- focused on school and lived in moment. I initially wanted to go the business route, mainly for the money, but soon realized that no amount of money was worth being stuck in an undesirable career.
My passion has always been for people, I love talking and listening to people’s hearts and being a part of their lives, especially love to encourage and help them see the brighter side of the situation. As some of you may know, growing up I went through surgeries and was able to help encourage others going through similar situations. This was a blessing, to be able to help and be shown kindness and compassion from the doctors, nurses and child life specialists at the hospital.
Sophomore year, with these memories in mind, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life- spread joy and happiness in what can be one the gloomiest, not so bright and cheery, situations at the hospital. In order to make that dream come true the best and wisest way was to earn a Bachelor Degree in Education, even though I had no desire to teach.
Fast forward to the end of junior year/ beginning of senior year- as I was cleaning up my Facebook inbox I found the message containing the link to the website for the world race. As a soon to be senior and college graduate with a teaching degree and no desire to use it, I started to plan a way of teaching and going to graduate school- but even that plan didn’t sound the most pleasing.
Finding the link was a blessing, I immediately started praying and the idea became more and more realistic as time passed- the application process was heart-felt and rather efficient. I remember when I got the call telling me that I got accepted. I had just taken a picture for the local school district, as a methods student, and was sitting in the parking lot. As soon as I got off the phone I could hardly contain my excitement, luckily no one else was in the parking lot. I never knew that you could feel so many emotions at once: surprised that I was accepted, excited about the adventures, overwhelmed by the amount I needed to fundraise, and somewhat nervous about what was to come.
Since then the excitement has only grown, the fears and overwhelming feelings have decreased. I’m constantly being reminded that God has things under control and all the details will fall into place. As of now, I have no idea what the plans are for after the race and I’ve decided that I’m not going to worry about it anymore. God has a funny way of showing up and letting us know what’s going happen and changing our desires as we walk with Him.
I want to be radically changed for the better. I hope that my passion for people can be used as tool and that I learn the skills and gain the confidence to help expand the Kingdom. I want my desire of being completely dependent on God to turn into to immense passion. I want to be content knowing nothing about my future and rely solely on what His plans are for me. I want to be broken, repaired and remade into a new creation. I have read so many life-changing accounts from alumni racers and although my account will not be the exact same, I know that it will still be life-changing and eye-opening about myself and the world around me.
Updates/ Quick Reminders:
1. Support Letters will be sent out soon (better late than never), via postal service or email, let me know where to send it and I will make sure that you receive one.
2. Shirts are still for sale for $15, orders will be put in March 25 and will be delivered as soon as possible. I will need to know your size and the best way to deliver it, whether it’s by mail or in person, depending on proximity.
3. Bracelets, $2 a piece or 3 for $5. Half of the funds help support needy families in the Philippines and the other half helps support my mission trip.
