As I have been fasting from social media and TV, I have been able to do much more productive things like writing blogs… so, lucky you! 🙂
Here are the questions people asked me on Instagram:
1. How did you know this was something you were interested in?
A: Since I was young, I ALWAYS talked about traveling the world. I got so excited watching planes fly across the sky and leaving lines behind them. From then on, I had a dream of traveling the world. Until I visited Jamaica for a mission trip, my dream was just to travel and sight-see God’s beautiful world. However, after Jamaica, I got a DEEP passion for people across the world. I started to connect with the kids and build relationships with them that would make me want to go back again. I just love kids and people all across the world; they make my heart melt and show me so much about my sweet Heavenly Father. God is making my dream a reality by paving every road for me. The road is paved and now I just need to walk the distance, no matter what is thrown my way.
2. Did you feel God calling you to do this?
A: YES! The thing is, I have never really heard God’s voice clear in my head. So, it wasn’t a clear “DO THIS GABBY.” God called me to this by creating a deep passion in my heart for loving the people of nations across the world. When I was struggling with finding a college and a major, God called me to peace by bringing to my attention that I could go on a mission trip. When I applied for the World Race Gap Year, God kept working on my behalf. He paved EVERY road that needed to be paved in order for me to go on the World Race Gap Year. I felt really called because every other plan I tried making before this, the roads were never clearly paved.
3. Is it scary to have to leave for 9 months?
A: I don’t feel scared at all regarding the World Race Gap Year in its whole. However, I do know that it will be hard at times being away from all my comfort for 9 months. People always are talking to me about possible things that could be scary and for some reason, it doesn’t scare me. God has placed an overwhelming amount of peace in me that tells me that He will always be there and fight for me. This entire journey is unlike anything I have done before, however, I feel peace and I feel so much excitement. God has picked me and placed me among WONDERFUL individuals to learn from and grow with and serve with!! I am so excited!
4. How long do you spend in each place?
A: First, we go to Cambodia for 3 months. My team of 7 girls is staying in Battambang, Cambodia with two other teams during our time in Cambodia. Then, we head to Ethiopia (Africa) for 3 months. We aren’t sure the exact location yet. After Ethiopia, we will head to Central America! In Central America, we will be in Nicaragua for 1 month and then Costa Rica for 2 months.
5. How many people are in each squad?
A: At training camp, there were 250-300 young adults who are launching in the September 2018 World Race Gap Year. There are 6 squads total and each squad has a different route. Route 1 is going to Costa Rica, South Africa, Thailand, and Myanmar. Route 2 is going to Thailand, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Route 3 (MY ROUTE) is going to Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Route 4 is going to Guatemala, Thailand, Malaysia, and Swaziland. Route 5 is going to Swaziland, Nepal, India, and Guatemala. Route 6 is going to Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala and Cambodia. In each squad, there are about 50 young adults (ages 18-20).
6. Are you excited?
A: SO EXCITED; I am excited to the point where any fear that has come my way, my excitement is so much bigger. Training camp helped me really understand the plans that God has for me on this trip and the promises that He is placing over me. I think the only thing that I am not so excited for is the goodbyes I have to say in less than a week. Those are going to be really hard because God has given me SO MANY great relationships here at home.
7. What are you most excited about doing on your World Race trip?
A: I am excited to meet wonderful individuals across the world and to develop a passion for them. I am also super excited to grow in my faith and to learn to listen to God’s voice. I want to be able to have an amazing relationship with my Heavenly Father and to realize how to make sure that when it gets shaky, I step right back in. I cannot wait to love on such a broken world and to let God love on me through them. Goodness, God has so many things for me to learn this year and to experience. I am so excited!
8. What countries are you going to?
A: Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
However, please be praying for Nicaragua. We may not be able to go because of the political unrest.
Well, that was all the questions that I received!! Thank you so much for asking!
If you have any more questions, leave them below and I will answer them!
Much love, Gabs!
