Wow my first blog post, BIG steps!!
Anyway, something that I’ve been asked a lot since releasing my plans to travel to Thailand this summer is, why the world race and why Thailand? Well, for many years now I have felt a call towards mission work. I am currently studying International Studies and Arabic at Texas A&M University in order to pursue a career working in the Middle East. The Middle East is one of the greatest sources of turmoil in the world today, and I feel there is a lot of work to be done there and in the hearts of the people. I feel the greatest pull towards the crisis in Israel. I hope to intertwine my professional life along with my ministry in Israel and potentially live there for a few years after college. Although, jumping into a career and life in Israel without training or preparation would be very silly. The world race is an opportunity to better equip myself with ministry skills as well as experience a new culture for an extended period of time. I originally heard about the world race in Middle School from a mutual friend, and I remember thinking it looked amazing, but never thought I would ever do it. This summer while I was in Florida with my family, I saw an Instagram post from a mutual friend who had just finished a 9 month trip with the World Race. I began to research these trips, again not thinking much of it, until I stumbled upon a trip during the summer. The days of the trip perfectly fit into my school schedule and I had been looking for a ministry opportunity to do over the summer. This trip happened to be to Thailand; a place I have been talking about visiting for several years now. It seemed too perfect to be a coincidence, so I decided to fill out an application. Upon finishing my application and receiving a time for an interview, I decided it was time to break the news to my parents. While I was expecting to hear at least a small amount of push back or logical questioning, my parents felt just as much peace about this opportunity as I did. My parents understand my love for international missions and cultures and want to support any efforts that further the Kingdom! Don’t worry, my mom is already planning a family vacation to Thailand that “happens to be at the same time.”
Only 203 more days, but who’s counting???
