My journey to the World Race goes a little something like this…
When I started college in the Fall of 2013 I had no idea what the direction of my life would look like. I did know two things: I loved kids and I wanted to help people. I entered the Elementary Education program and I thought I loved it. I had a vision of working with low income communities and to be a person of stability in a child’s hectic and at times, uncertain life. I was in the education program for 3 years. By my SIXTH semester I felt very uneasy about remaining in the program. I was in classes where part of my assignment was being in a real classroom teaching lessons to real kids and I hated it. I loved interacting with the students but I did not want to be the one teaching.
I felt lost.
I had just spent THREE years working towards this goal but I knew I couldn’t finish. I cried a lot and seriously considered dropping out and finding a nanny job halfway across the country. When I told my parents this plan they strongly opposed and encouraged me to stick with something whether that be education or something else to just get a degree. I finished out that semester not sure what I was going to do. I did know that I had made plans to fulfill my World Culture credit by going on a 4 week trip to Scotland over the summer.
Scotland was exactly what I needed.
There was a group of about 15 people that went. We were able to create our own itinerary, take day trips around Europe, and indulge in what we found interesting. For me, I needed to be in nature. I took this time going on sunset and sunrise hikes up Arthur’s Seat, a point that looks over the entire town of Edinburgh, traveling to rural points on the Isle of Skye in Northern Scotland, going on WALKS to CASTLES (lol Scotland lyfe), and spending sweet sweet time with the Lord. I also met and cultivated friendships with some incredible women that allowed me to process the direction of my life. On my last day in Scotland I went on a sunrise hike up Arthur’s Seat (the sun rises at 4:30 ha) and I sat down, listened to worship music, prayed, and cried a little bit. I prayed for God to reveal his plan for me and for me to have the boldness to step out in faith to do as he asked. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I felt to Lord whispering in my ear, be still. Be still and know that I am God. I’ve got this. Don’t worry. After that, I knew I wanted to switch my major to Psychology. It was scary. I was switching my major my senior year of college. I still didn’t know what I would do with that degree but, again, I knew two things (a little different this time but along the same idea): I wanted to serve people and I wanted to travel. Guess what I get to do for 11 months? Travel and serve people.
The Lord placed the World Race on my heart several times throughout college but it was never the right time. It was almost as if he was gently reminding me that He had a plan for me and to be patient. It was this past summer that it was placed on my heart again but this time I was given so much peace and knew that is was finally my time. Now here we are!
It brings me to tears thinking about how faithful the Lord has been. He is fulfilling my heart’s desires to travel and to serve people. How thoughtful and loving is our Father.
The World Race and everything that has led me to this path has been NONE of my own doing and ALL of God’s doing. HE placed this desire on my heart. HE cultivated it and made it possible. HE will remain my guidance and my direction. God and God alone is responsible for what has taken place in my heart and in other’s hearts. Seeing him begin to provide has been humbling and exciting and I can’t wait to see his hand touch everything in the coming months.
Again, thank YOU for reading my rambles and being here on this journey with me. Knowing I have a support system makes this all that much easier. While, I am so excited, there are definitely fears that creep into my mind and I know those fears are not from the Lord but from our enemy. The enemy likes to place doubt and fear inside of us to make us fall away from God’s plan. Prayers for those fears to be diminished and the peace of God to reside would be so appreciated. I am also in prayer for each and every one of you reading this. I know this is a hectic time of year but I pray y’all stay healthy and joyful and remember to be still. Put your trust fully in Him to do all things.
