Hey there!
So I wanted to talk a little more about why I am doing the race, how I got to this decision, and some of the factors that went into it. So, here we go!
I started high school at 12 years old, graduating two weeks before I turned 16. Due to my age, though I am comfortable and confident around people older than me, I did not feel the confidence/assurance about the idea of going to college at 16; this made me think of a gap year. I presented it to my parents, who in return said that they didn’t want me just sitting at home waiting for my friends to graduate for a year (understandably so).
About a week later, my dad was driving a friend’s daughter to the airport and started asking her about what she has been up to. She said that she had recently gotten back from a 9-month long Christian Gap Year program (World Race, of course). Once she started explaining it, my dad thought it sounded perfect for me.
However we needed to address the issue of my age; seeing as WRGY racers are 18-20 year olds. My dad then contacted a main director in WRGY to see if I could apply; as well as making the commitment that we were willing to have me emancipated (legally considered 18) to go. By the Lord’s hand I was able to apply!
It took a lot of interviews, and phone calls, and FaceTimes, but I was accepted! This program is so perfect for me because it gives me the chance to go out into the hard to reach places and serve Christ and His children. I want to grow in a way where I have even a stronger and steadier relationship with the Lord; and I am looking forward to the ways He is going to, and already is, stretching my heart for His glory and work.
So in the end: why am I doing the World Race Gap Year? Because I want to know Jesus even better. I want to experience His call upon my life when I am obedient to Him; when that world is very unexpected. I want to go to where my prayer is active, and is “spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever you may call me. (Hillsong – Oceans)” I want to see the Lord surprise me and blow my mind; and change me into who He wants me to be.
I hope this answers the question for you! I think it solidified my answer too 🙂
Thank you for reading, and your support!
– Jenay Leese
Worship song: Oceans by Hillsong
Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20
