I’m currently laying in my bed on New Year’s Eve waiting for the ball to drop and watching my dogs fight over the same bone even though there are enough for the both of them, and I’ll be honest I’ve stared at my computer trying to figure out what I should write or how I should even start this blog post for about 30 minutes. So I guess we will just go for it and talk about how I got here:
I’m still asking myself that question everyday but it really all started my sophomore year of college. The Christmas Break of my Sophomore year I was called to spend two weeks on a mission trip to East Asia and let me tell you what that trip was a life changer! I have felt called to missions since I was around 13 years old but this was my first international mission trip and the first time I heard God really speaking to me about the calling for my life. This trip was the first time I had ever heard about the World Race and after returning home I really began to look into it.
Fast forward to my senior year of college and I have looked at WR routes at least once a month since my sophomore year and watched every one of Julia Robertson’s vlogs and read multiple blogs for two years. But every time I read blogs or looked at routes I always thought of some reason why I couldn’t be a racer: “I don’t have that type of money, I can’t leave my family that long, what if I miss out on something, I’m so not qualified for something like this.” and every excuse, every reason, every doubt the Lord has shown me through his word and through some very faithful friends and family that my doubts do not compare to the plans he has for my life; and I distinctly remember seeing a post somewhere that said “God doesn’t call the qualified he qualifies the called.” like woah. I remember when I first saw this I thought “Okay God I get it (lol).” So I applied and here we are. So what does all this really mean?
This means that starting October 2017 I will begin my journey through 11 countries in 11 months, spending my days living in a community serving people and loving people who may have never even heard about the love of Christ. This means I learn about new cultures and meet new people and spend almost a year away from the comforts of home. This means that no matter how I feel about my qualifications the Lord has called me to a life of abandoning my comfort zone and to become courageous in my faith.
During this time there are some awesome ways in which you can support me!
1) Through Prayer
Prayer through this time will be so important for myself, my teammates, and the people we will be serving. Throughout my trip I will provide prayer requests that will be specific to the partners we will be working with in each country. Prayer requests for the trip overall and before the trip starts:
Please pray for myself and my teammates as we spend the next few months preparing our hearts and minds for what the Lord has in store for the next year.
Please pray for our overall health and wellbeing for the next year.
2) Financially
There is a spot on the left where you can donate to help me reach my goal of $17,600. I will also be doing a fundraising letter and lots of fundraisers throughout the next few months so follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay updated on how you can help financially support me. If this is something you feel called to do I will be so so so grateful!
3) Reading and giving feedback
Lastly read my blog and give me feedback on what you think about it! This helps me know that what I’m writing is reaching others and is encouraging to myself and my team.
I would love to hear from you guys throughout the year on how I can be praying for you! So stay connected with me!
So happy new year friends! 2017 looks like its going to be an awfully big adventure.
