As everyone started worrying about college, people began to ask me more and more “What do you want to study?” I never could answer that question. It’s not that I don’t have interests. I do. I have a lot of interests, but I had this nagging feeling in my heart whenever I tried to settle for something. I really wanted to do missionary work. I have this burning desire to help people and serve Jesus. I kept dreaming about missionary work, but it seemed impossible to me. Then I came across missionary trip gap years and World Race, and I got so excited. To me, the World Race Gap Year trip is more than a gap year, it’s a chance to reach beyond myself and make an impact on the lives of others. A chance to see beyond America and discover who God made me to be. There are so many people who are hurting and it kills me inside. I want to help as many people as I can with my life, and that is what the World Race is all about; helping people. Especially in countries where there is very little help to be found. On the World Race Gap Year trip, we will be partnering with the local ministries and doing whatever we can to help. We will be teaching in schools, working with orphans, and giving out food and other necessities. If a well needs to be built, we’ll build it. If a school or church needs painting, we’ll paint it; whatever we can do to help, we’ll do it. I feel that God is calling me to go on the World Race Gap Year. He’s calling me to truly serve others as he served us. I also hope this trip will give me a chance to see life in a new light, to mature, and to find God’s calling on my life. On World Race, we will be gone for nine months with only what we can carry on our backs. Some things are terrifying and crazy and amazing and exciting all at the same time, and I figure if I’m doing those things, I’m where I want to be in my life.
“‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them.‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’” (John 13:13-15).
