Summer 1997. I was 12 and had just finished 6th grade, the height of my awkward phase. I’ll spare you a picture. Over the last year, I had become involved in youth group and was pumped about the upcoming mission trip, my first ever. We were headed to Spearfish, South Dakota where our previous youth minister and another family had moved to grow the church and spread the Gospel. Before we left, I was most excited to be reunited with the Savages and Tacketts and the opportunity to spend so much time with my friends. Sadly, I didn’t really even view it as a chance to serve God.
We spent the week in door-to-door ministry, leading Vacation Bible School in a park and doing a little sight-seeing. I grew closer to my youth group, the children at VBS and the families that had heeded God’s call. I was having the time of my life! Then…God showed up. For the first time in my life, I thought about what it meant to be a Christian. Sure, I’d grown up in the church. I knew all the stories from talking donkeys to burning bushes. I believed God existed and that He loved me. One night during a devotional, it just became REAL. God loved ME. Jesus died for ME. I was HIS. I cried tears of joy for that love and my salvation! This was immediately followed by IMMENSE tears of sorrow for all those who didn’t know my loving God. I realized why we were there. It wasn’t for fun, it wasn’t for us.
It was for the lost.
Fast forward 15 years. Wow! Has it REALLY been 15 years?!? My walk has had its highs and lows. I’ve lost sight of God for a bit and then came back, only to find him right there waiting, chasing after me all along. My heart still breaks for the lost, the broken, the needy, the captives and the oppressed. I’ve gone on numerous mission trips over the years and every single one has always left me wanting more. Jay and I heard about The World Race from different people long before we met. It somehow came up in conversation the night we met and we both thought it would be an incredible journey. At that time, I didn’t know when/if it would ever fit into my life, my plans – let alone to be doing the Race with this guy I just met and honestly didn’t know if I’d ever see again!
Yet, here we are. When Jay found out there was a year long wait for the nursing program he’s interested in, we began discussing the possibility of having a “gap year” experience…a little later in life than most, but hey – it works! Jay, again, brought up WR. I began reading WR blogs and God stirred in my heart. My thoughts were consumed by the nations and their need to feel the love of my Savior. I felt COMPELLED to apply. I woke up at 5am to see the newly released January 2013 routes the morning they were posted. That night after being apart all day, Jay and I wrote on little pieces of paper which of the three routes we had each chosen. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to lead me – it had been a busy 12 hour day at the pharmacy and I honestly hadn’t spent much time thinking about it. When we revealed to each other that we’d chosen Route 1, the joy was immeasurable. It calmed my fears and ceased my doubts. I knew this was God’s call.
