This is the more recent part of my life story. I know that my whole life story is truly how I got to the World Race. However, I think that blog would be way to long. So here is the shorter version.
I have always had a heart for missions and until a few years ago I felt that I was really called to do local missions, within the state. I didn’t see a need to go out of the country when so much needed to be done here. When I graduated college and became a teacher I knew that I wanted to work in a low-income school where they needed good teachers. Mom and Dad always said, I was a missionary to East Baton Rouge Parish schools. So, I did all of those things.
About four years ago I began working with the youth group at my church and went to Dulac, LA as an “adult” on the summer mission trip. It was then that I truly got to know a very special person, David Howell. Over the next three summers I went with the youth group and Mr. David to Dulac. During this time my heart for missions began to grow as I listen to Mr. David and others talk about Cambodia and some of the other mission trips they had been on. Then two summers ago (2011) when Mr. David and Mr. Ken Music planned to go to Guatemala, I was in. Then last summer we went again to Guatemala. Something happened there and God said that I was to do more.
Now I didn’t know what that more was and truly didn’t have time to think about it, as I was thrown right back into work once we returned from Guatemala. Then come October, I began to remember and so I began to look and pray about God's plan. As I began to look I was having a hard time finding anything that a) I could do on my own, b) that didn’t want me to lead a group, and c) that was in my age group. Until one night on Facebook, a friend posted a simple sentence…I have been accepted to the World Race. So very unlike me, who is not the Google fanatic, I goggled the World Race. There it was…it said ”There is more to life than empty traditions, routines, and working 9-5…11 Countries 11 Months.” It was like they were reading my mind. So, I kept reading…age: 21-35, living in community, routes, sharing the gospel, living in a tent, malaria, preaching in the streets, a backpack for 11 months, and squatty potties. A few positives and a few negatives, but something in my head said you can do this. I then thought I was going crazy, didn’t say anything for a while and then finally told mom and dad. I began to debate it, I’m a processor and so I had to go through everything. Finally, about a month later school got crazy and I kind of forgot about the whole idea. However, when things got tuff mom would slip in a little reminder.
Skip to March, work had been rather difficult and all of a sudden I begin to think and pray about it again. I began talking to some of my mentors; Pastor Juilet, Mr. David, Veronica, Mr. Ken, Donna Leggett, Donna Ratcliff, Rosemary Poulson, Lori Stibbs, mom and dad. I filled out the application, cause why not. I had my phone interview. Then by the beginning of May, after a few dramatic issues I get the call, you have been accepted to the World Race. So, here I am…truthfully still in a little shock that I am actually doing this, but I know for sure that this is God’s plan.
I want to thank everyone in my life who has ever prayed for me. I know those prayers are heard and being answered. I can't believe it's only two weeks away. So, please keep praying!
