This Is Me

Hello, World!

My hope for this blog is to share with others the marvelous and incredible things I am certain God will be doing during my time on the World Race.  However, I'm not leaving til July, so I can't tell you stories from the field yet.  For now, I'd like to introduce myself.

[My nice new backpack…..It won't stay this clean for long, I'm sure!]

I am twenty-four years old.  I graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 2011 with a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  Working with kids is a good fit for me: I love them!  I can definitely relate to Jesus telling his disciples to "let the children come to me."  Every time I watch videos of current or past Racers dancing and playing with children around the world, I smile and want to jump right onto a plane and join them!  How cool will it be to share the love of Christ with little tykes in Africa, Europe, and Asia? 

I come from a big family.  I have two sisters and two brothers, and three cousins who grew up next door to me and might as well be my siblings.  My parents love Jesus, like to travel, and both work extremely hard.  We didn't have much money growing up, but we had plenty of love and adventure!  I was lucky enough to go on two amazing trips to Europe with my family.  We went the "cheap way," staying in hostels and using the opportunity to expand our knowledge of the world.  But hey, who needs fancy hotels and restaurants when you still get to see incredible things and visit incredible places?!

Approximately 80% of my childhood was spent outside.  Growing up in the Graydon household, I learned some pretty valuable survival skills.  Need to build a fire?  I'll do it.  Need to pitch your tent?  Let me help.    I'm no Daniel Boone, but my Dad made sure all Graydons know how to "rough it."  Despite living in Georgia, where summers are hot and extremely humid, my family went on frequent excursions hiking, white water rafting, rappelling, and more.  My Dad also taught me to appreciate nature and all the beautiful pieces that make up God's glorious creation!

Music is my favorite way to worship!  It doesn't take long to figure out I like singing.  (And dancing…..even though I'm not very good at it!)  I'm hoping someone on my team is bringing along a guitar.  (Anyone?  Anyone?)  I am so pumped to see how people in cultures so different from mine praise the Lord through music!  Everyone says not to have expectations about this Race, but I must admit I am expecting to have at least a few dance parties….

I will be adding a new post soon explaining a bit more about how God called me to go on this crazy mission trip called the World Race.  I'll let you know where in the world I'll be going for eleven months and what sort of ministries I may be working in.  I am so excited!!  Keep an eye out for my next post, or subscribe to my blog!

Feel free to comment or ask questions in the comment section below!  I'd love to hear from you! 
This trip is not all about me.  It's about the kingdom.  If you'd like to be a part of the work God is doing through this ministry, please consider praying for me and my squad (T Squad!!) as we trek across the globe to bring Jesus to the lost.  If you feel led to support me financially, check out the "Support Me" button on the left.  Thank you!