When people ask me for my “story” I never really know what to say. My “story” isn’t anything out of the ordinary. I’m just a twenty one year old living a pretty normal life. I work, and I go to school. I’d love to say I have hobbies but usually Netflix takes over my spare time. I have dreams and goals I want to reach but I have that self doubt in the back of my mind saying “I can’t.” The more I got asked for my “story” the more I’d get frustrated because I really didn’t know how to answer.
So I turned the frustration into patience. I started paying attention to what other people would say when they were asked about their “story.” I listened to them explain to me about their struggles, and their success. What made them who they are today and what they aspire to be.
I surrendered myself to God and the pieces started to come together. I thought about my hopes and dreams and turned the doubt into determination. The determination to turn my ordinary life into an extraordinary life, which then led me to The World Race.
I guess you can say that I had an “epiphany.” The moments that led up to me applying to The World Race were when I just finished having an amazing family vacation in Mexico. We had just spent the week at the beach, eating delicious food, and watching my parents renew their vows after Twenty-five years of marriage. We stayed in this incredible five bedroom house overlooking the ocean, with a pool and just a minutes walk from the beach. It wasn’t until we were in our van leaving, my heart broke. Yes I was sad to leave but that whole week we had was quickly erased and replaced with heartache.
I had never seen poverty so bad as I did that day. Just minutes from resorts and five star restaurants were small shacks where families lived. I knew that I had to do something, so I asked God and not even hours later at the airport an ad on Facebook came up for the World Race. I had never had a clearer sign of what I should be doing with my life yet I still had doubts.
While applying for The World Race the doubt was overbearing. “I can’t” played in my head over and over again and I would constantly factor in all of the reasons why I couldn’t make this happen. I was terrified of what people would think because my leap into faith was fairly new and still is. I feared that my family and friends, not being very religious wouldn’t understand and wouldn’t accept me. More than anything I had doubts I couldn’t fundraise the full amount to fund my trip. I had this gut feeling to apply anyways, to take this leap of faith like I had done with God and so I did.
I started telling people my “story.” I am still a twenty one year old, yet I am taking the steps to make my ordinary life into an extraordinary life. I crave adventure and what’s a better way to achieve it than traveling the world and having the opportunity to change people’s lives. I want to live a more selfless life, always putting others before myself. I know I have so much to offer and that I can be put into any situation and do my best to help. That is why The World Race is for me. Each month we’re traveling to somewhere new and will be put into different circumstances amongst many cultures. We’re able to reach new people and help them in anyway we can, while spreading the word of God.
Not only do I have faith in myself that I can reach my goals, but I also have faith that you can be apart of them. Please consider donating and thank you so much for reading my first blog. If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask. My first deadline is coming in about two months and I’m still far from my goal. Donations are greatly appreciated! I am hosting my first fundraiser on April 15th and would love for you to come. Thank you for the support!
