Hello friends!
My name is Anna Elise Bauer, but most often go by Elise! I am 22 years old and a VERY recent graduate of Campbellsville University in central Kentucky, with a degree in Educational Ministries. I am from Louisville, Kentucky and I have lived in the same house my whole life, so I am a Kentucky girl through and through. I have wonderful parents that have been married over 35 years! My oldest sister is married with her first baby on the way, as well as my older brother who is married with two little boys. My younger brother is currently killing the game in college. I have more cousins than I can count, and without a doubt the best family in the world.
I am a lover of all things adventure and travel. I love food without end, particularly mashed potatoes, tacos, and pizza. I love to hike, swim, and dance (but in a completely non-professional sort of way). Music is my deepest form of expression and I could sing for days on end. New places, cultures and people excite my heart, but more than anything I just like to love on people.
How did I get here?! Good question. I am pretty sure God has been moving my hands, feet and mouth for the past few months because I am not even sure. I first heard about the World Race when I was in the 10th grade. A friend I met through a summer mission camp went on the race. I first felt the call to missions in the 8th grade, so to me this sounded like the coolest thing on the planet. It remained on my heart for years, and I went back and forth. There were times I wanted to just leave college and get on it, but there were many times I also thought it sounded way too crazy for me.
The closer I got to graduation, the more real 11 months away from home felt. So I decided I would stay. I made up lots of excuses, the biggest one being I din’t really have the money to pay the application fee (wow. lets compare that to my new goal of $18,000- GET OVER IT OLD ME). Ultimately, I was terrified. But I kept seeing things that drew me to the race. Pictures of people on mission, things from my previous trips, and even through songs I felt convicted about being active. One morning, I opened a seemingly random email from Adventures in Missions to say that during the month of March, all application fees would be waived…any more excuses? Not any good ones. So I applied. It was the end of March so I only had a few days, but I did it, and I got accepted. Craziness
So why am I going? God was already speaking to me and I wasn’t even listening. The application fee seemed so little, but God took care of it. The smallest fear, the smallest hang up is important to Him because He knows how it affects our hearts. His faithfulness in those seemingly small things are the foundation of our faith for the big ones. But I just didn’t get it. Even after acceptance I went back and forth; I have loans. I could miss the birth of my niece/nephew. I will miss graduations. Am I just seeking adventure? I talked myself out and back into the race over and over even after paying my deposit. Why am I going? Should I go? Here’s the deal: we are called. Not just a few people and not just a few places. We are called every day to go every where and do whatever we can to present the name of Jesus to everyone we meet. I want to give 100% of myself to that cause. There are people who have never truly experienced love before and I have a lot of it to give.
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Well I don’t know about Carmen, but ya girl is about to cover four continents. That’s right.
South America: Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay/Argentina
Asia: Cambodia, Thailand
Europe: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria
Africa: Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda
Solidarity Sista! (Go watch an episode of Gilmore Girls to appreciate this!) The church was created to be unified, and yet completely unique. I realize we can’t all go all the time, but I don’t think that takes away from the fact that we are all called.
So be unified with me on my journey! My team and I need prayer, more than we can even know, starting like last year probably. Many of you have been praying for me for years, please keep it up! The Lord is about to reach into places of my heart I didn’t know existed and switch everything around. I will be physically, mentally, emotionally, and for sure spiritually challenged. Please continue to be my support.
Of course there is often monetary need. If you feel called to support me through donations, please do! But I challenge you to pray about it first, and seek what scripture has to say about the church supporting missionaries. My overall goal is $18,000 which at times feels overwhelming, but He has never failed to provide before. There is a button above where you can click to donate just once, or even monthly throughout the Race.
Ultimately God will use us both. I am going wherever He leads, and in your support you go with me. Please feel free to share my blog and any future blogs I write. You can also subscribe to my page to keep updated with me on my trip. Happy summer friends!
