Is this really happening?
I think I ask myself this about 837 times a day. The World Race has been a dream of mine for almost three years and now it’s actually happening. I first heard about the race my freshman year of college when a friend of mine from highschool decided to go on the trip instead of going straight to college. I followed her journey from my comfortable dorm room through her blogs and posts on social media and began to crave the growth she was experiencing through her willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel. I could see that God was working in her heart in huge ways and wanted the same experience for myself. After my sophomore year, I was ready to quit college and go. A close friend of mine who had experience doing missions challenged my thought process. It was clear that God was preparing a place for me to serve in Sioux Falls by giving me an RA position for my junior year as well as allowing me to come back as a small group leader at a youth group near school. My friend advised me to remain steadfast in the roles God had placed in front of me and to use the experience as an opportunity to learn to serve those right in front of me the best I could. Looking back now, I’m so glad that I finished college and continued my pursuit of a degree. I learned many important lessons and had countless fun experiences all while getting to know my savior more and more–an invaluable gift.
I am ecstatic that God has graciously opened the necessary doors for me to be able to serve him through missions and through the world race. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the support I have received already from my church, family, and friends. While there is so much excitement over this opportunity, I am also working through some fear surrounding the trip. For so long I’ve wanted this and now that it’s really here, I don’t know how to handle it! I keep questioning, am I capable? Am I really going to be able to leave my family and friends for 11 months? Am I crazy? My God continues to remind me that HE makes me capable. That HE gives me strength to do what he’s called me to. That HE is a God who loves to give great gifts and he will provide for my every need. Prayers that this assurance would continue to wash over me daily would be appreciated!
Friends and family, I am so blessed to have you all walking alongside me during this new season of life. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and am so grateful for the support you have already shown me. I’m excited to take you all on this journey with me and am going to do my best to stay up to date with posts and blogs!
Praise God for this abundant life he so graciously offers us!
