Hey there, thanks for visiting my blog!
My name is Emalea, which is pronounced like ‘Emily’ in case you were wondering. I know, I’ve never seen anyone else spell it like that either. I’m 21 years old and currently living in the tiny community of Black Point, Nova Scotia with my parents and a one eyed kitten named Tyson. I work as a receptionist at an animal hospital which can be fun (8 golden retriever puppies at once is as awesome as it sounds), but also has its tough moments.
My family consists of my parents, Jim and Sherry, brother Josh and sister-in-law Hannah. They’re all awesome. I probably wouldn’t have gotten through my crazy childhood if it wasn’t for them. You see, I was born in Belleville, Ontario but I wasn’t raised there. In fact, I wasn’t really raised anywhere in particular. I’ve lived in 15 houses in 3 different provinces, which gives you a good idea of why I get a bit restless when I’m in one place for too long. Those years of moving around greatly influenced who I am today.
For example, I love to explore. In every sense of the word. Whether that’s places I’ve never seen, or places I know well, or even fictional worlds through books, movies and shows. I love a good story, and if I can’t find one I’ll make one. I also like to read about psychology, philosophy, history or anything else that makes you think. I enjoy drawing, photography, painting, or anything else that involves making something. Even though I’m way more inclined to visual arts then the preforming arts, I also love listening to music. Genre doesn’t really matter, it’s all good and helps keep me sane when my introverted brain gets too over-peopled.
Oddly enough, as much as much as people drain my battery (I don’t think I’ve ever gotten over 18% Extrovert on the Myers/Briggs), I love people. Listening to them, spending time with them, and just making them feel valued is a wonderful thing. God has really been growing my heart for people lately. It’s something I’ve been resisting due to my introverted nature but I’m working on it. Or rather, God’s working on me.
There are a lot of areas where I’m going to need God’s help on the race, and I’m honestly a bit terrified to be doing this, but I also haven’t felt this at peace about anything in a long time. From the time I first heard about the World Race to the time I finished my application and scheduled my phone interview was less than a week. I wondered what on Earth is wrong with me that I would jump into an 11 month missions trip with so little hesitation. However, every time time I thought that or talked about the Race or prayed about it, I was filled with a sense of calmness. It was a confirmation for me that this is the right thing for this season of my life.
That doesn’t change the fact that I’m human and have plenty of insecurities about what is to come. How am I going to raise that much money? Am I a strong enough Christian? Am I going to be in good enough shape? Will I be able to overcome my introversion and shyness in order to show the love of Jesus? Am I going to suddenly develop deadly allergy to bananas? Who knows. I don’t, but God does. And I know that he brought me to the Race, so his faithfulness will bring me through it. Even if I never get to eat my third favorite fruit ever again.
*Please note, for Canadian supporters:if you use the Donate button on my blog it directs your donations directly through Adventures in Missions. Adventures is an American organization, and therefore you won’t receive Canadian tax receipts. To partner with me financially on this adventure, please choose one of the following:
Make cheques payable to Community Christian Fellowship Church of Canada (CCFCC) and mail, along with a fundraising card (contact me directly to get one!), to 1807 St Joseph Blvd, Unit 307, Orleans. ON, K1C 7C6, Canada
Or:
Send an email transfer to [email protected] and follow it up with a separate email including your name and complete address, my name and my program (Emalea MacInnes, World Race).
