Growing up, college was always something I knew that I was going to have to do some day, but I never had the typical college dream that most kids grow up reaching for. In high school, specially after my freshman year, my main focus and drive was not school work (which I’m not the most proud to say, but it evens out *I think*) but rather the clubs I was involved in and extracurriculars, especially theatre. Whenever I was a sophomore, my sister was in her senior year and being so close with her, I also gained some friendships within her friend group that year. When it got to grad party season, I was invited to my friend and fellow officer Sydney’s grad party who had her grad party alongside her good friend Kara. When I went, I noticed that Kara was actually going to be taking a gap year the following year to go on a 9 month mission trip with the World Race. Automatically I was so intrigued by the idea. From then on, following along with Kara’s adventures and her blog, the race was always on my heart. There was always something in the back of my head telling me that I needed to take part in the world race gap year program. Eventually, junior year came to an end, and I was thinking about it a lot. I began praying consistently to the Lord asking for guidance and help on knowing whether the Race or college was the route I should take.
I had proposed the idea to my parents many times prior, but when I started becoming more and more sure of my decision, they grew more and more nervous. Because of this, in order to help with my Dad’s worries and my own uncertainties, we met up with Kara that summer, a couple months after she herself had gotten back from the race. We were able to ask our questions and hear about her own personal experiences. After that day, I knew for sure that I was going to apply to go on the race. When applications opened up, I applied right away, eventually got accepted, and then it got real.
Ever since I was little, I had a heart for loving and helping others and the less fortunate. Now I get to not only love on people in Romania, Guatemala, and Ecuador, but I get the amazing opportunity to present the Gospel to them. The best gift of love they could ever receive and for that I’m the most excited for. I ask that you pray for me as I go about fundraising and spiritually preparing for this journey ahead. It won’t be easy, but with the Lord on my side I know that I am capable.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
Your friend,
Valerie 🙂
