It’s hard to put into words how much the world race has meant to me. I came into this journey with the mindset of taking a gap year to serve and travel, and hopefully discover more about myself. What I didn’t anticipate to happen was that my life would be completely flipped upside down and I would have to full on face all of the brokenness of my past. Let me tell you, that came with a lot of humility!!
Allowing myself to be weak, gave God the opportunity to be strong. I realized that the life I was living, founded on the societal principal of self-fulfillment was hurting me more than it was helping me. I had been fed lies from media, colleagues and those who I looked up to that having the ‘ultimate college experience,’ of partying, chasing romantic relationships, and striving for perfection, was the way to THRIVE. I tried to find happiness in all of the wrong places and that led to a lot of suppressed brokenness.
At the beginning of my senior year, I attended my brother’s Marine boot camp graduation and was completely taken back by the selfless life he was choosing to live. I was so proud of his extremely noble decision to serve our country, knowing fully the life style sacrifices that he would have to make. What blew me even more away was his fulfillment in what he was doing. It wasn’t what the vast majority of 18 year olds in America were doing, but he was happier than a lot of them. I reflected of that experience on my flight home and knew I had to make some changes if I wanted to live in a way that brought more fulfillment. I made a commitment to God that I was going to try my very best to be ‘all in,’ and see where that would take me. That was just over two years ago.
It’s been ugly and it’s been beautiful. I’ve fallen into temptation and I’ve clung to God’s strength to walk away. By growing in intimacy with my Heavenly Father, Brother Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, my heart has changed. The desires that I once had, have been altered to reflect those that honor God and live be the principles of the Bible. He’s given me a perfect peace in exchange for anxiety. I feel SO blessed to have had the opportunities that I’ve been given on the World Race. I know what’s possible if one chooses to go deep and face the hard stuff in a Christ-centered and supportive community.
With all of this being said, I am PUMPED to say that I’ll be going back on the mission field for three months to lead a College Semester, mini World Race!
I feel so driven to serve and disciple Generation Z during the very time that I really struggled to submit to a lifestyle that reflected Christ!
I will be leaving on January 18th to train in Georgia for a week before departing for three months abroad with my squad. I do not know where I will be going yet, and will be given a route in a couple of months. I will be traveling to 2 or 3 countries. A big portion of my expenses will be covered through Adventures in Missions, however I am asked to personally raise $3000. If you feel that same fire in your heart in equipping the next generation of Christian leaders, then I would love to have your financial support! I am putting together a couple of small fundraisers right now so stay tuned on social media. 🙂
Bigger than that though, I would love continued spiritual support. God’s power is SO big and can truly move mountains if we have the faith to believe in Him. Prayers mean the world to me!
Thank you to whoever took the time to read through this WHOLE blog! I really am just so humbled by the love and support that has come my way in so many variations. Love and peace.
xo,
Hannah
