From Kindergarten through 8th grade, I went to a school whose motto was “Helping children explore God’s world and discover their place in it.” Growing up with this saying has played a significant role in shaping who I want to be and how I want to live. As a result, I’ve come to see the opportunities I’ve had in life as ways to discover more and more of God’s world.
The World Race is this kind of opportunity, and with the unique component of being able to live for three months in three different parts of the world and experience diverse communities and cultures. As I travel and learn this next year, I expect to grow a lot. I’m sure my eyes will be opened in so many ways that I can’t even imagine. Jesus has the ability to do immeasurably more than I can imagine (Eph. 3:20) and this year will certainly test my trust in him! Not only that, but over the course of the coming year, my hope is that the Race will help me to more fully discover my place and purpose in the world too.
Discovering what God has in store for me will be a big part of the next several years, and next year is likely to set that stage. Previous World Racers have had the opportunity to do mission work, travel, teach and serve where it’s needed, and it is likely that the same will be true for our team. Most importantly, I am so excited to get to share the Good News of Jesus around the globe.
It’s exciting to think about how this gap year gives me additional time to grow, mature, be humbled and learn more about Jesus, myself and our relationship. The Race will provide me with a unique need to rely on the Lord, since I will be serving, far from home and family for nine months. That’s a bit scary and very exciting. I have always valued service, caring for others and broadening my perspective, and the Race feels like a perfect way to practice each of those.
