This is Me (It’s Bio Time)

On April 30th, 2010 at approximately 7:00am I landed in Boston, Ma, officially ending my World Race experience.  I can’t put in words how much God has done in my life since I first applied for the World Race over 2 years ago!  For much of my life I called myself a Christian, I went to church, I sang songs, I talked the talk, but I completely didn’t have a personal relationship with God.  I look back on myself 2 years ago and I am in awe at the work of God in my life. 

Over 3 years ago, I woke up one morning and was completely disgusted with myself and who I had become.  I didn’t believe that God could possibly love someone like me, who had so blatantly messed up and disobeyed Him…ALOT.  But, that morning I knew that the life I currently was leading wasn’t working.  And I decided to try believing God’s love for me, instead of condemning myself.  Since that moment God has transformed me and is still transforming me.  A huge way that God has moved in my life and began a healing, redemptive work is through the World Race.  I thank God for allowing me to have this experience.  The things He showed, taught me, did in me, the people I met, lived with, worked with, loved continually amaze.  Today my walk with the
Lord is best described as a real relationship. In a relationship you
are continually growing, learning, you have ups and downs, and there is
a level of trust. I struggle with things, I have questions, I don’t
always understand why things are they way they are, but I always come
back to God and feel secure knowing He is present. Everyday I am
realizing and experiencing God’s grace, mercy, and love, and everyday I
am reminded that I am an imperfect being.  I have seen what life is like without God at it’s center and I don’t want it.  Life with God is just better. 

After I got back to Boston I spent a month or so bumming around my house, doing pretty much nothing of consequence and then headed off to Maryland, where I spent this past summer as a camp counselor.  Three of my fellow World Racers were there, which made my time there extra special.  Throughout the summer I realized again how much we need Jesus in this world.  God opened my heart to loving people of America I never thought I would love (middle schoolers being one example of this).  I am now currently gearing up to lead a short term missions trip to Kenya through AIM’s Real Life program.  I am pumped for this opportunity!!!  I can’t wait to see what God is doing in Kenya.  During my race we spent 3 months in Africa (Swaziland, Mozambique, and Malawi) and I knew that I would go back.  Keep reading for updates and God moments!