Greetings! My name is Jessica Torres. I am 22 years old and I am going on the World Race! Wahoo!
I am from Midlothian, Virginia, where I still call my home. I went to college at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (my home away from home) and studied Communication Sciences and Disorders. I graduated in December 2016 and immediately began working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in an elementary school, doing speech therapy with little kiddos.
A little bit about me: I love using colorful pens, hoarding journals, taking bubble baths, and leading a small group at JMU called the Original Rat Pack (ee). My bedroom wouldn’t be complete without Christmas lights and an outrageous number of photographs. I would wear Chacos every day of the year and sleep in a hammock outside every night if I could. I’m a wuss if it’s cold; I love being cozy. I love to color-code everything (see “using colorful pens”). I would love to own a big dog who thinks he’s a lap dog. I’m an ESFJ and my love languages are quality time and words of affirmation. My spiritual gifts are shepherding (pastoring) and faith. I love to read, and I don’t enjoy watching TV (unless it’s watching America’s Got Talent with my family). I thrive on one-on-one, intentional, and meaningful conversations. I’m a pretty open book, so if you ever want to know anything about me, just ask (:
How I got here: God has been setting me up to go on the World Race for almost four years now. In 2013, my cousin, Ariane, went on the World Race. I read all of her blogs and was so inspired by her and her journey. I got “bit by the Race bug” and desperately wanted to go, too! Two years later, my discipler, Amy, decided to go on the World Race after hearing me talk about it non-stop. For a while, I forgot about my desire to go on the Race and made other plans to go to grad school, get engaged, get married, graduate with a Master’s degree, and settle down, etc… and I was pretty set on those plans. In August 2016, a friend of mine reminded me that 3 years before, I had told her that my dream job was to be a missionary. I had completely forgotten about that and no longer felt that way. After weeks of God orchestrating some pretty big light bulb moments, I realized that the plans I had made for my future were nothing compared to the plans God had for me, and forcing my plans left no room for the Holy Spirit to work. So I threw my plans out the window and started praying about the World Race… and God told me to “GO!”
I’m honored to be on this journey and I’m so thankful that you have decided to join me.
I love to be fully known and know others, so shoot me an email and let’s chat!
xoxoxo
Jess
