Writing blogs was one of the things I was super hyped about doing when I started this journey. I thought the idea of being able to share this adventure through writing about my experiences was the coolest thing ever. So when it came time to write my first blog I was so excited to tell everyone why I decided to go on the World Race: Gap Year.
Until I realized I wasn’t really sure what my answer was. Sure, I know I tend to make impulsive decisions, but I didn’t just spontaneously decide on something this life altering, right?
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely prayed over this. But there wasn’t a period of time where I struggled with wondering if I should go ahead with this and prayed that God would give me a yes or no answer. I can’t think of a specific time when going on the race became the clear answer to what I was going to do after high school. It just kind of always seemed like the right choice. It was one thing in my life I truly felt confident in, and I didn’t really think twice about applying or committing. So why did I decide to go on the race?
Like almost all of my decisions, the doubt and worry came after I made it. What did I just sign up for? I am really going to spend nine entire months away from my family? Are my friends going to move on without me? What if transitioning to college afterwards is hard and I fall behind or can’t make connections? Why did I have to choose something so abnormal?
These thoughts became overwhelming, but when I started thinking about how my future would be if I decided not to do the race, it didn’t feel right. It didn’t seem like me.
A couple weeks ago I went to the World Race open house and at one point they were talking about why they decided to create the gap year. They said that when someone decided to go on the race, it was usually because they had gone through the motions, gone to college, got a job, etc., and they felt stuck. They wanted to do something, they wanted to make an impact, they wanted to chase after God’s purpose for their life, and they could no longer just sit still. And they discovered that there were young people who had already figured that out, and they didn’t want to make them have to go through the motions just to get to the point where they are now. So they created the gap year. And I’m so happy that they did, because that’s exactly where I am now.
I want to put my life in God’s hands and allow him to use me. I want to reach people. I want to make a difference. I want to have real experiences and authentic connections. I can’t sit still, I can’t just go through the motions, I can’t wait. College will still be there when I get back. I know this isn’t the most ordinary path, but I’ve never wanted an ordinary life.
Why did I decide to go on the race?
Because college can wait. God’s calling for me cannot.
