Where do I even begin!? Senior year was a whirlwind in itself. From writing a 20-page thesis to frantically searching for a college to attend, it was quite overwhelming, to say the least. I had no idea what the future held. Everyone around me was making their plans for the future, committing to their dream schools, searching for roommates and figuring out financial aid. As plan after plan fell through, the idea of a gap year became more real to me and a very harsh reality, at first. I never thought that college would not be in the immediate future. However, God had very different plans. It’s funny how that works.
Post-graduation, I was still searching for something to do this coming fall. My friend and I were considering the World Race back in January, but it just didn’t seem realistic. I couldn’t see myself living away from home for nine months! After some strong nudges from God, I came back to the idea of this journey in July. As of three weeks ago, I made a decision to become a part of the World Race Gap Year Program. I, along with 51 other incredible women of God will be traveling to four countries sharing the love of our Creator. I will be heading off to Cambodia in only three weeks to start a nine-month journey of sharing the Gospel with the world, feeding the hungry, comforting the sick and loving people. We will not only be taking care of their physical needs but also tending to their spiritual needs. Not only focusing on initial relief but restoration as well: placing them in a position where they can care for themselves as a community. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to share God’s love with those who have never experienced it. God will not only use me to impact the lives of others but use their lives to influence mine. This journey will not only challenge me mentally and physically but spiritually, as well.
If you had told me last fall that I would be leaving my family and friends and everything familiar to me, I would’ve laughed in complete and utter disbelief. Out of all the options I had to consider, none involved living out of a backpack for nine months or living on the other side of the world, for that matter. To be completely honest, I’m still shocked that I’ll be away from home for such an extended time. While considering colleges, I never wanted to be too far from home that I’d have to miss holidays with my crazy family. Holidays have always been my favorite times with them. Well, God had other plans. I don’t necessarily know what all of that entails but I am confident that God has the full picture and has my best interest at heart, and I am learning to trust Him. So, here’s to new beginnings and putting my complete trust in God. I can’t wait to start this life-changing journey and be a vessel to share the light with the world.
