The decision to go on this trip is, without a doubt, the biggest decision I have had to make in my young life. To leave behind friends, family and the comfort of home is quite the challenge. When people ask me why I would do this, why I would sacrifice a year of my life to go out of my comfort zone, to travel to countries that do not have the immediate resources I am used to, to delay my entry into college, the answer is not always easy to come by. Is this trip for myself; is it for self gratification? Or is it for the greater good, to help others who do not have the privileges I enjoy, to expand my perspective of the world, and to grow as a follower of Christ? After many prayers, many discussions with my pastor and family, as well as careful consideration, I would like to think it is the latter. But, to be completely honest, at this point in time, I am not completely sure.
My whole life, I have been in a community of faith. All of my family, and many of my friends, live very faith-based lives. I grew up going to church every Sunday, praying before bed and meals, and thanking the Lord for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. In the past year, however, I have begun to bring my faith into question. The main thing I asked myself was “Why do I do this?” Through this questioning, I began to realize that my faith had become more of a habit, rather than a belief. I realized that I was attending church and praying without thinking about why I was doing these things. Through this realization, I came to the understanding that I could not simply be a passive follower of Christ; I have to be active in my relationship with the Lord.
I learned of this trip through two of my cousins; one of them went on the 11-Month Trip, and the other went on the Gap Year, as I am planning. The stories that they shared with me about their experiences with God on this trip sound life changing – and they were! I desire to grow in my faith the way they did, to create a more meaningful relationship with my creator, to really give of myself to others.
So that is what I tell people now, when they ask me why I am going on the trip. I tell them about my faith journey thus far, and how I want to grow even more as a disciple of Christ.
This page is where you can find updates about me on my journey with the World Race, as well as information about fundraising. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page, and have a blessed day!
