For what feels like forever, I have felt God nudging me in the direction of a mission year. As a sophomore with a budding dream, I had no idea where to begin the journey. I had researched various organizations that offered global trips, but none of them really intrigued me; I felt no instant connection. One day at school, a casual conversation with a friend introduced me to a youtube channel of a former World Racer, and it was an instant feeling of compatibility with the organization. The more that I learned about the Gap Year program, the clearer it was to me that God wanted me to be a part of it.
I’m going on the Race for many reasons. First, I am looking for God to completely open my eyes to His power and His plan. I have always struggled with putting my complete trust in God, as I am a very headstrong person. By committing to work as His hands and feet for nine months, I am taking a leap of faith into the arms that hold the world and me, while I leave my own will behind. I am excited to work for His glory and not my own; everything I do will be in Jesus’ name and for His people! Secondly, I am going on the trip to experience more time serving others. I am taking this year to grow myself, as well as invest into others around me. When I attend college after this trip, I plan on majoring in Social Work. Building relationships has always been a priority of mine, and I feel that my gift from God is my empathetic and caring heart. Nine months of service will help me get a feel for my future career of helping people, all while tying in a strong Christian foundation to give me the words and perseverance needed. I am so crazy excited to serve alongside other God-fearing people and work to grow His body of believers all over the world. This year will be an amazing experience of putting Christ above all else, with no distractions to pry away my attention. The World Race Gap Year is an answer to my prayer that I will have the opportunity to truly test my faith in a field with which I love: community. I am blessed and sure that God is faithful and will show himself in amazing ways this next year.
