Hey friends!! My name is Kylie + I’m super pumped you’ve found my blog + are interested in following along as I prepare to launch + during my time in the field.
A little background on who I am + why I’ve chosen to embark on the World Race:
I was born + raised in Westerville, OH (a suburb of Columbus), but have always had a passion for the world. I grew up with the mindset that I am a world citizen, not just an American, + it’s my responsibility to leave this planet better than I’ve found it.
Couple that mindset with my radical encounters with our Father’s sweet, sweet grace + here I am! I met Jesus my freshman year of high school at Young Life’s Fall Weekend + have slowly been navigating the abundant love + nudges of the Holy Spirit ever since. Since freshman year, I have been surrounded by the most amazing community, who have pushed me to seek the Lord daily + say “YES!” to whatever He calls me to.
While I have been blessed to travel abroad multiple times + experience His STUNNING creation, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized I want to play a part in building the Kingdom outside of my comfortable little box here in Ohio. I’ve always wanted to make a difference but I didn’t who I wanted to reach + how. After tons of prayer + seeking Godly wisdom, it became so obvious that my God was calling me to go to the ends of the Earth telling all of His children just how loved + chosen they are by the God of the whole stinkin’ universe. My life looks completely different than it did entering high school, + that’s not my own doing, but completely because of Jesus + His abundant grace that met me in my messes + His extravagant love that didn’t let me stay there. I am dancing in a freedom that I never knew was possible because of how much His love has transformed my heart + shifted my perspective. I no longer question my worth or my purpose. I am walking with a peace I never thought I’d find, all thanks to Jesus. My encounter with Him has been too eternity-altering to just be quiet about it. I want to shout it from the rooftops + watch every person I love and every person I’ve yet to meet experience the unexplainable joy I’ve found.
This is not about me wanting to see the world + help people. This is about ensuring that every one of His children know that they are loved + extending the opportunity to know + worship their creator.
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However, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have doubts or wasn’t nervous about what is in store for me over the next 18 months + beyond.
I am certain that the devil will throw everything he’s got my way – I’ll tell Him bring it on. I want to lead a life that makes him say, “oh, snap she’s up” every morning.
I’m certain that I will try + put my God in a box because I’m still a sinner + a doubter + I get scared when things are beyond my control. The World Race will challenge me to believe when it’s hard, to have faith when everything is pointing to failure. I believe this season will push me to know Him more intimately + rely on Him more than I ever have before + I can’t wait.
I’m certain I will get strange looks + have awkward conversations with adults + kids alike about why I want to take a gap year + how I can believe so strongly in something I “can’t see”. I look forward to the conversations I get to have with these people about how redemptive my encounter with Him has been + why I want that for all seven billion+ people on Earth.
I’m certain I’m gonna mess up. Oh my gosh, I’m gonna mess up so many times I’ll lose track in the first week. Because I’m human + prideful + still a stinky sinner. Yet, in those moments, I look forward to watching Jesus come + sit with me in the messy moments + be engulfed in a massive, grace-filled, loving hug that heals the deepest wounds + restores the most hurting heart.
I don’t know what all is to come in the next 9 months preparing to launch + in the 9 months I’m in the field, but praise the Lord I don’t have to. I know that it’s going to be a reckless, radical, life-altering experience that will leave me more in love with my Creator than I ever thought possible + I can’t wait!!
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That being said, this super incredible opportunity comes at a price and a pretty intimidating one for this broke, nervie girl. That’s where you come in!! After prayer and consideration, if you feel so inclined, I would really really really appreciate anything you’d like to contribute – whether that be in the form of prayer, funny dog videos, or potentially a financial contribution. I understand that I’m a little girl in a big world + am completely undeserving of this chance, but then again I was also completely undeserving of His love + here I am 🙂
Regardless of what you contribute/if you contribute, I am realllll grateful you’ve taken the time to read this real long post about me + what’s been on my heart + I hope you continue to follow along!
Peace and Blessings!
kylie :))
