I can still remember when I was younger listening to stories from my parents about our relatives and close friends that were missionaries. I was in awe of the miracles that God was displaying in their lives. I saw the beautiful courage that it took for someone to live their life much like that of Jesus.
I don’t know exactly when I figured out that I wanted to work in the mission field but there seems to have always been a feeling deep down in me that acknowledged what God held for me in the future. Thanks to the help of my parents, teachers and church family I have grown up with the love of serving in my core beliefs. I find great joy when helping others and some of the best memories I have are rooted in the act of service.
When thinking about the next step after high school I didn’t feel like I needed to fall into line with everyone else going to college because I wanted to experience where the love of God could take me. My mom also knew that I would need to first dive deeper into my relationship with God before I made any college or career plans. One of the main reasons I wanted to join the World Race: Gap Year is because I really want to learn how to rely on God more and in order to make the Gospel more real in my life.
Alongside the spiritual reasons behind going on a missions trip, I also love the cultural aspect of travelling. I have always been interested in learning about other cultures and I love watching documentaries and listening to music from other countries. It is my desire to travel and experience real life in the countries I visit and move past the tourist mindset.
When I am travelling with my team over the 9-month span I hope to take in all the information that I can. I really to be intentional when travelling and learn from my team members, leaders and missionary veterans. I think it would be awesome if I could be apart of my church’s missionary team or at least pass on some of the knowledge that I will have learned, when I get back.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me out financially and through prayers, I am super humbled by your love and generosity.
