Hello everyone!! My name is Vanessa Gerig. I am a 27 year-old from Towanda, IL. I can’t put into words how excited I am to begin this life changing experience. I want God to open my eyes and impact my soul!
I grew up in a loving household, out in the country in the middle of Illinois surrounded by cornfields. I thank God for giving me such wonderful parents and such a big family. As most of you know I am the second-oldest of eight kids! My siblings have been the biggest blessing in my life. They are my support system, my accountability partners, my best friends, and the people I turn to when I need advice with no sugar-coating. Growing up, my sisters and I were inseparable. Wherever there was one, another would be right behind! Literally 🙂 I would not be the woman I am today without the genuine relationship my sisters and I share.
I believe God works through so many people. Over the past year I could feel God tugging at me and I knew I was being called to go somewhere, I was just unsure of the location. I decided to take this part of my life into my own hands and pursue my carrier and started applying for positions all over the country. Time and time again, doors kept closing. Then, out of the blue I was called in for an interview for a position I was not even interested in, but I wanted the opportunity to sharpen my interview skills so I went to the interview. When I arrived there were about 6 other applicants and one of the girls I instantly connected with. We started talking and it turned out that she had just got back from the World Race. This put the spark in my heart to apply!
A few weeks had gone by and I was still pursuing my own career. I had not yet decided to truly turn my future over to God until this one particular conversation when a friend and I were on our way back from a volleyball game. I was sharing with him that my younger sister was on a mission’s trip in Thailand, and I mentioned how I wish I could drop everything and serve. He shared something with me that night that stopped me in my tracks and I will never forget; he said “You now have golden handcuffs which makes it almost impossible to give up your life of security.” He had nailed it on the head, I had GOLDEN HANDCUFFS!! This was a game changer for me. I decided in that moment that I will not let security and comfort dictate my life and that I was going to apply for the World Race. God has provided for me in the past financially and I know He will do it again. He has been preparing my heart and I am ready and willing to give up my comfort and security for His will. I want to be completely open and vulnerable throughout this whole process. I want my heart to be raw and willing to go wherever God wants to lead me.
God has been calling me for a while it is time for me to be obedient and follow.
I will be growing and changing in every way possible over the next year, thanks to your love and support! I am going into the World Race mission’s trip with an open heart and mind. I am ready to serve and love like never before!
Hebrews 12:1b Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
