Hello all! 
I wanted to upload my support letter here so that everyone would be able to read it:).
My letter shares about why I want to go on the World Race and specifics about the trip!

Support Letter:)!

This is where it all began: 

In a little town by the name of Figuier, 50 miles away from Port-Au-Prince. After a seven hour bus ride full of cricked necks, aching backs, and cautious smiles to those around, the people within the bus were full of nervous joyfulness. Nervousness because of the unknown adventures and experiences that laid before them. Joyfulness because as they peered through the bus windows, smiles and giggles of children greeted them. As each person stepped off the bus, a child ran up to them. The child placed their small hand into the hand of the individual who stepped off the bus.  Then dragged them into the parade that erupted from the middle of the street. As the bus emptied and everyone poured into the street, their nervousness subsided as it was replaced with excitement for what was to come. A week later, that same bus loaded up for the last time. Only this time, as the people looked out the bus windows, hearts shattered and tears poured from the eyes of everyone within. The young children attempted to peer into the bus window with confusion written across their face. Because all they could hear was the wails that came from within the bus. They began to call out to us, telling us that they would see everyone tomorrow. The older children looked at us with sadness, and some placed their hands up against the glass waiting for us to do the same. That glass window would be the first thing to separate the two groups that had made a lasting impact on each other’s lives forever.   

 That week in Haiti, over the summer of 2016, was my first experience in living my life with the sole purpose to focus on the lives of others. A life of service that began before the sun rose and ended long after it had set. A life that was not only physically strenuous but also emotionally exhausting. Still, my heart flourished, even under conditions that many would look at and deem unacceptable. It was during that trip that I realized that this was the life that the Lord was calling me to. A life full of many uncertainties, a life where I would be living not for myself, but for others. It was there that I found out what caused my heart to flutter to life. 

This past August I applied for The World Race Gap Year. This opportunity occurs over a nine month period and consists of the students going to three different countries for three months each. Within the program there are seven different routes. Each route focuses on a specific need. When I applied, I applied for Route 3 that would be focusing on serving at-risk children. The route would begin in eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, then travel up to Ethiopia, and end in Cambodia. In November, I received the news that I had been accepted into the The World Race 2020 Gap Year! Lord willing, next September, I will start my nine month journey.  

 In eSwatini, we will be partnering with the Adventures in Missions eSwatini base. The team living there throughout the entire year brings hope to this country through providing children with food, clean water, education, healthcare, and discipleship. These children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While on the ground, my team and I will be serving alongside those who reside in eSwatini year round. Each day will look different and will depend on what the needs of the community are for that day. 

In Ethiopia, we will serve with HOPEthiopia in Addis Ababa. This is a ministry that creates safe communities for people at the margins of society. Their goal as a ministry is to bring hope and restoration back to the people of Ethiopia. Not only will we be serving at-risk children during these three months, but we will also be serving elders who have been neglected by society. 

In Cambodia, we will serve alongside a partner as they minister to local street kids, teach English, and share the hope of the Gospel with local families. One of the goals is to help foster an environment of love and support. The Cambodian people have been rebuilding with a resilient outlook and a generous heart after the devastating genocide that wiped out an entire generation. We will join alongside them and support them as they continue with the rebuilding of their country. 

Currently there are 35 members who are going to be embarking on Route 3 this September 2020. Each individual is responsible for raising $15,600 and creating a prayer team. The prayer team will help support the individual through prayer and encouragement. Each individual will be posting updates about their journey to their blog. I will also be posting about events that happen before the team takes off in September 2020. The link for my blog can be found below!

My goal is to be half way funded by the end of January! I have another $7,640 before I hit that half way point! All donations are tax deductible and donations can be made through the blog link below is below. Any donation is appreciated and welcomed!  

Big love for each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Abby Strickland 

Blog Link: http://abbystrickland.theworldrace.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (770) 825-6646