There are a series of questions that every high schooler must experience and endure from friends, family and just about every person we come in contact with. It begins around sophomore year and as a senior in high school, I’m still getting them quite often. Actually, a friend of mine who is in college now can testify that the questioning doesn’t stop even after high school.
I’m sure you have a pretty good idea as to what these questions are.They usually go somewhat like, “So what do you plan on doing with your life?” or “What college will you be attending next fall?” or “What major are you interested in?” and my personal favorite, “I heard this school gives out free cupcakes everyday. You should look into going there.” It’s as if I’m supposed to know exactly what I’m doing with my life as soon as I graduate high school. They must think I can tell my future or something.
Although these people mean well and they are just curious and excited about my potential opportunities, these questions stress the heck out of me! I began to start making up life plans and career choices to tell people just so they would get off my back. In all honesty, the truth of the matter is, I don’t know. I have no idea what I’m gonna do with my life, but the beautiful thing about that is it’s exactly where God wants me to be. I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future. By not having a plan for my life, it allows me to give myself over to God and watch His story unfold.
So the lovely college visiting began. I knew going college was what I needed to do to get a respectable job and be successful, I just wasn’t too sure where I wanted to go. I toured several beautiful colleges, but each campus I visited I got this feeling like God didn’t want me in school next year. I took my poor mama to so many different schools. We would tour them all day for me only to say on they way home, “It’s a great school, but just not for me.” Lord knows she’s earned some rewards in heaven for all the patience she’s had with me though this.
The World Race was just stuck in my head and I couldn’t shake it. I had heard of World Race Gap Year through a friend that had gone on one a few years ago. Since the night I learned about what it is, I knew that’s where God wanted me. Although everyone around me was saying college was where I need to go, it’s like God kept bringing World Race back to me. Every college I visited made my desire to go on the World Race greater.
As I was trying to figure out God’s plan for me and what He wants for my life, I came across Matthew 25:34-40. In this passage, Jesus is speaking with his disciples. He says to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and look after the sick. For whatever we do for the least of these, we’re doing for Him. I heard God tell me so clearly, “This is what I have commanded you to do.” What better time and what better organization to go through? I’m at a point in my life that I have no responsibilities holding me back. Adventures in Missions is an organization that focuses on serving others wholeheartedly. After hearing this, my approach towards the World Race Gap Year was more like, “Why would I not do this?” After much prayer and fasting, I began the application process and was accepted at the beginning of the year. I truly feel like this is exactly where God wants me to be. My hope is that through it, I will grow closer to Him and He will begin to unveil the future He has in store for me.
For those of you who don’t know, the World Race Gap Year is a nine month mission trip with three locations. My route is going to Thailand, Malawi and Guatemala. We will be spending three months in each country. This trip is most commonly taken in between high school and college which is why it’s called a Gap Year. We will be doing all different types of ministry. We will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking and much more. Although nine months seems like a long time, it’s actually not long at all when compared to all of eternity. My prayer is that we will reach people who are lost and bring them to Jesus changing their futures for all eternity.
I know I will be facing many challenges on this trip, but in my past experiences I have learned that in my weakness He is strong. The financial aspect of this trip is going to be a big challenge. In order to leave in October, I have to raise $13,805. Although that is a lot, somehow I have peace, trust and confidence in God that he will provide what I need. If His providing is through your giving then you are awesome! Thank you SO much for partnering along with me as I take on this adventure God has in store. You can send a donation by clicking on the “Donate!” button on the left side of this page.
I may not be able to tell my future, but God knows my future and I’m excited to see what He has coming for me in this next year. At least now I know what I’m gonna say when the questioning comes at our next family reunion!
