Heyy friends!

My name’s Amber Pharazyn and I’m 23 years old from a suburb outside of Columbus, OH. The most important things in my life are my family, friends and football (go bucks/Steelers). I’m fun-loving and have an easy-going, adventurous spirit. I graduated from THE Ohio State University last May with a degree in Early and Middle Childhood Studies and a minor in psychology.

In my world the last year has been a whirlwind in the best way. This time last year I was nearing graduation with no idea what I was going to do next. For the first time I actively pursued what the Lord would have me do instead of what was convenient or appealing for me. Long story short, the Lord met me in that place of uncertainty and led me down a path where I was given the opportunity to work within the university (relative financial stability), work with at-risk youth (pursuing my passion), and travel across the world to my dream location, Australia. God is so good. I’ve found myself in a similar season of uncertainty these last couple of months as my temporary positions came to a close but again, the Lord came through.

I’ve been praying about The World Race for about a year now and everything has fallen into place for me to pursue this opportunity. For those who aren’t familiar, the race is an 11-month Christian mission trip where I will be going to 11 different countries to meet the needs of the various communities and bring the hope of Christ.

I could not be more confident that this is what the Lord has for me next. I am excited to spend a year focusing on the Lord, my relationship with Him, and serving His children.

This is without a doubt the adventure of a lifetime but it will also be the most difficult challenge of my life to this point. While I’m excited, I’m equally terrified. This will be a time of growth, trust, faithfulness and dependence on Jesus. I know He has a plan that is better than anything I could ever think up and I’m just along for the ride.

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)