Hello Everyone!
My name is MacKenzie Taylor Hutchins. I am 22 years old and from good-old southwest Missouri. I grew up in a family of four and have a 12 year old niece! I love people, adore flowers, and really enjoy physical activity. I went to college for Photography and dance in Chicago. And currently, I reside in Joplin, Missouri.
I found out about the World Race three years ago while on a Summer Project with CRU. I remember over hearing a conversation and was instantly captured by the idea of it. I had already gave my whole life to God that summer and wanted to chase after all He had for me; however, as soon I returned to campus for the semester I came down with mono and had it for 9 months.
I was devastated.
I ended up having to move home and wasn’t able to return the next semester either. I had lost my dreams and all control. It was a time of great confusion, illness, and heart ache. I went from having the best summer of my life to the most difficult season Id ever experienced, but through it all God never let me forgot about The World Race.
In January 2014, I received an email from The World Race about the new routes for September 2014 and completely felt led to apply. The journey started off with so much clarity, but when it came time to submit my application I was unsettled. I decided to take a few days to pray and fast, and literally, the first day I heard clearly from God, “Not yet”….
I was furious, confused, and so mad. I wanted the experience of the race so bad, and felt like God was teasing me. It felt like He only wanted to take things from me, and I was lost in misunderstanding His character and who I was to Him.
Needless to say, a month later I started counseling and it blew me away!
I discovered my pain came from much deeper wounds and I had been living unaware of my story. There was lots I had suppressed and many unhealthy coping mechanisms I functioned out of. Thus, with time and His patience I began to see light again, breath much deeper, and dance within His freedom. It was a tender, sweet time between the father and myself.
Then, in March 2015 I received another email from The World Race and immediately, I said, “No.”
I was scared and had suppressed my desire with fear. I also was still mad at God for taking it from me the first time; I forgot He had spoke, “Not yet” and chose to ignore Him. The once courageous, brave 19 year old had lost herself in fear and doubt.
So, I ignored God, and it worked…well, up until July when my life blew up in my face and God asked me if I was going to keep living the life I thought was best, or obey Him? You can see obviously what my response was.
So here I am…going on the World Race to 11 countries in 11 months! Here I am choosing to trust God, even when Im scared. Here I am asking the father to teach me His ways even when I object. Here I am believing He is a kind, gracious father whose ways are better than mine, even when I forget.
His plans are good and I am thrilled to walk in them!
I hope this year and for the rest of my life I can advocate for the unloved and hurt. I want to share peoples stories and proclaim the hope of Christ through photography and prayer. I plan on loving people wholeheartedly with the incorruptible love of Jesus!
Finally, Jesus is my friend and His goodness is pretty remarkable! I love Him and only pray to know more of who He is with every breath and exhale! He saved my life through the cross, and its only an upward spiral of grace from there!
He is a great guy!
Thrilled for this Adventure & to share it with you!
Onward & Woohoo
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths
Proverbs 3:5-6
