Young, wild and free. This is one of my most favorite (and possibly overused) motto’s. I tend to say this when I’m trying to talk someone into doing something or someone is trying to talk me into doing something – its typically the latter. But I love these words because I think that they are filled with such truth.
Starting with the word young – I am 22 years old and the youngest of 4 kids. I’ve been blessed with a pretty sweet brother, two really funny sisters, awesome parents and an all around goofy family. I graduated this past May from the best school around, James Madison University (Go Dukes!!) Those were the most fun and fastest 4 years of my life so far. The Lord blessed me with amazing friendships and experiences that grew my faith in amazing ways. The Lord also blessed me with friends who had a lot of bling-bling. Four of my best friends got engaged over the past year and even though we’re old enough to get married I still feel like a kid most days. My mom reassures me that this never changes which is good!
Then comes the word wild – a word that I wish would pertain to me but in reality not so much. On a “wild scale” of Princess Kate to Miley Cyrus, I would probably be where Carrie Underwood or where Cristina Scuccia (the nun from The Voice) would fall on the scale. I’m more of a Jesus Take the Wheel gal than a Wrecking Ball chick. As much as I’d love to say I’m a little wild – the wildest thing I did recently was drive in the snow in a NOT 4wd car. I did accidentally hit a sign so that might add to my wild factor?
Then comes my favorite part of the motto – the word Free. This is true on so many levels. Thanks to the many men and women who fight for us, we’re able to live in a country where we are free to Praise Jesus or unfortunately even take His name in vain. But we’re also free because our Savior Jesus Christ came to die for our sins. What an amazing sacrifice that was FREELY given to us and that everyone should have the opportunity to hear about. That is why I am going on the World Race.
My desire to go abroad started my Sophomore year of college. I majored in Dietetics (Nutrition) with the dream of working towards ending malnutrition in developing countries. I desired to feed the world and that’s what I felt the Lord was calling me to do. Little did I know that He was leading me towards feeding the world with His truth instead. I’m so excited to say that I have decided to go on the World Race.
I did not come to this decision easily though, that’s for sure. After being accepted I said “no” once, prayed for two months and continued to ask if this was really where He wanted to lead me. I even jokingly asked Siri. Her response was that she “couldn’t answer that for me.” Which is right. I had kept trying to find direction in people around me that I think I allowed their voices to be heard over the Lord’s. One night I kept thinking about the comforts of being “home” and how difficult it would be to leave when I heard the Lord say “But, Laura, that’s what I did for you.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. The Lord left His home in Heaven to come down and live among sinners knowing that He was going to die for our sins. We never deserved any of His grace but He did this because of His deep love for us. And Praise the Lord that He did! I’m so excited for this journey of the World Race and I am so grateful that y’all can be a part of it!
8 Random Facts About Me:
- Cinnamon rolls are my weakness. Actually any sweet is my weakness…even though I’m a Dietitian.
- I love to do anything outdoors.
- I love to run and exercise. I’ve run 3 marathons and I’m currently training for my 4th eek.
- My favorite movies are Shawshank Redemption, About Time and Bridesmaids…haha very different movies but I love them all.
- I have inherited my dads loud laugh and I tend to laugh at everything.
- I think I have fallen at least once on every bike ride I’ve gone on but I still really like to do it.
- I love dogs. My dads a veterinarian and I think we have always had at least 3 dogs at a time.
- My family is really important to me and I’ve been blessed with a pretty goofy one which I love.
