Welcome, friends, family, or whoever you are that has stumbled onto my blog! This is my first post and I could not be more EXCITED to be preparing for this journey around the world. Before I say any more, I should probably introduce myself and tell you how I ended up at the World Race!
My name is Grace DiGioia and I am 17 years old living in Charlotte, NC. Ever since I can remember I have had a huge passion for travel and service. This love has grown as I have been fortunate enough to go on mission trips and other international service experiences. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I was seriously considering taking a gap year before college. I was told about the World Race by a friend who knew someone that was currently on the Gap Year. Intrigued, I went home and looked up the program. I loved the travel, service, and ministry that you would experience in 9 months all over the world.
–Fast forward– It’s senior year, my college acceptances are rolling in and I have to seriously think about what my next steps will be. After some stressful and busy months full of thoughtful prayer, I found my way back to the World Race Gap Year and felt called to apply. When I was accepted into my World Race route I finally felt satisfied and excited about my future. I know God put every obstacle in my path to get me to this point and could not be more ready to serve and share His word across the world.
OK, finally for the exciting stuff! I will be traveling around the world for 9 months (!!!) with 50 of my ‘squadmates’ to Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica! In these 9 months, I will be serving different churches and ministries, helping out with their biggest needs. We will be doing things such as teaching English, building churches, and doing outreach work to communities who have never heard the gospel before. I am thinking of starting a youtube channel where I can post videos and some vlogs about the work we will be doing in each country. I think this would be a fun way (other than this blog) for you to follow my journey.
I am ecstatic for this opportunity, but in order to reach these communities I will have to raise funds. While I am hesitant about fundraising, I know when God calls, He also provides. If you feel called to donate, it’s easy! There is a bright orange button at the top of this blog where you can give financial support to help send me on this once in a lifetime trip. I understand if this is not a time where you may be able to give, but I am also looking for support in prayer while I prepare at home and once I am on the field. Thank you for all your prayers and support. If you would like to follow me on my journey, subscribe to my blog…there will be much more to come!!
