Okay wow, my first blog post!
These past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind, but one thing I have not been able to stop thinking about is my trip to Thailand this summer. A question I have been getting a lot lately is why I have chosen to spend my summer in this way. This is what I want to explain!!
In the fall, everyone around me was coming up with their summer plans. I live with four other girls, so there was constant communication between all of us about what we were wanting to be doing this summer, and all of our options. A lot of my friends had chosen to go on study abroad programs, and since this was something I had always wanted to do, I looked into it deeply as well. There were a couple of problems though. There was not one trip that stood out to me, and it was beginning to be difficult to decide what classes to take/what credits will transfer. There was also the issue of the financial burden I knew I would be causing my parents. The problem was that I was SO emotionally invested in finding a study abroad program, because in my head that was the “thing to do”. I was not even considering that there could be other ways to spend my summer. It turns out this was not God’s plan, and he opened up a door for me over the holidays. My mom was the one who mentioned The World Race to me, because we know of a couple of hometown friends who had been on the trips. I was apprehensive at first, because I still had it in my head that I needed to study abroad. As I started to look into it, I immediately knew that this is what I am supposed to do with my summer. I felt directly called by God to participate in this adventure, and there were no more doubts in my head that this is exactly what I need to be doing!!! So I applied, got accepted, and my heart has not felt so full in a very long time.
Another question that I am getting is if my trip will be affected by COVID-19. The truth is, this virus is ever-changing and something new pops up every day. As of now, I am still going to Thailand and there are no plans to cancel. However, our safety is in their best interest and if there is a need to cancel, they will. I am putting my faith in this program and I am positive that whatever decision they make will be the right one. As for now, I am constantly praying over my trip and for the future hearts I will be connecting with over the summer. COVID-19 has certainly opened up a new season of life for everyone, and although it has been difficult to stay positive, this is something I strive for everyday. It sounds cheesy, but positivity can be the best medicine!!!
If you took the time to read this, THANK YOU!! I will have more updates for those of you who choose to donate, or even if you are just wanting to follow my trip 🙂
Stay safe,
Emma
