A few days ago I posted on social media asking you all to ask me questions about my trip, so here are my answers!
Why did you choose the route to Romania, Guatemala, and Ecuador over the other options?
Honestly, I ended up with this route because it was the last option that was open since I signed up so late. But that ended up being a HUGE relief to me because I didn’t have to worry about trying to decide on a route on top of everything else. It was like God was saying, “Here, this one!” So it worked out really well!
Also, on the website, the route said it was “Romania, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.” I was so excited because I would be *basically a pro* (sense the subtle sarcasm) since I had been to Costa Rica on a mission trip last summer. I did find out, however, that they switched it to Guatemala instead, but I’m not worried about it because I know God will put us where He needs us to be!
What will you be doing on the trip?
Through the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in the local communities of Romania, Guatemala, and Ecuador to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution because of human trafficking, and bring the hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. We will also be passing out Bibles and eyeglasses, working with teens who are at risk of gang violence, as well has with special needs kids in hospitals.
Where will you be staying?
Our squad will be staying in the homes of fellow believers who are partnered with Adventure in Missions. In these host homes, we will be staying in rooms either on beds or in our tents.
What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about growing more confident in my faith. I feel like it can be suuuuper awkward to bring up anything religious sometimes. I want to be able to be confident in myself and my God and not care about what others think about me! I’m ready to grow in my relationship with the Lord.
I’m also really excited to get to know my team. I get to meet all my wonderful squad mates at training camp in about a week and I could not be more psyched! I can’t wait to meet all the people I’ll be spending nine months with 🙂
What made you want to do this?
This was completely and totally a God thing! I was ready to go to UNCW but I felt God encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone to travel the world and share His love, so here I am! I’m taking a leap of faith and trusting God’s got it all worked out. And although I’m not a huge hiking and camping person, I know this experience is going to be one of a lifetime!
How big is your squad?
My squad is the group of people my age who I will be travelling with for nine months! Our squad is actually on the smaller side with about 23 people! I know they were aiming to have about 45 people, but I’m fine with 23. That’s about the size of the group I went to Costa Rica with last year (I know, I’m sorry, I brought it up again) and it worked out really well!
When do you leave?
I leave at the beginning of September and come back in May, so it’s basically like I’m gone for a school year! I don’t get to come back and visit at all, though. I’m not going to be able to come back and see my brother’s (or my varsity lady eagles!) basketball games or come home for holidays, but I promise I’m going to do my best to keep in touch with people back home and I promise won’t forget about everyone 😉
How will you be able to keep in contact with everyone back home?
I will DEFINITELY be posting a ton on my trip to keep y’all updated. I know we’re not always going to have service and wifi, so I won’t be able to talk to you guys all the time, but I’ll definitely reach out whenever I can!
How are you going to pack for nine months?
For this trip, we have to pack everything into a BIG hiking backpack (mine’s 65L). Inside the pack will be clothes, a tent, sleeping bag, shoes, toiletries, etc. I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to be able to fit everything, but I guess I’ll have to figure it out. And I’ll let you guys know how it goes!
Is your family on board with you doing this gap year?
Surprisingly, yes! I am so incredibly thankful for my family and the support they’ve been giving me! My mom was actually the one that brought up doing a gap year. And although they’re not too thrilled that I can’t come home for the holidays, they know that this is something I want to do and that God is pulling me towards.
So that’s it for now. Thank you all so so SO much for your support!
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom.”
Psalm 145:3
God is good!
Maddie Chase
Feel free to contact me!
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Maddie Chase
Instagram: itsmaddiee23
maddiechase.theworldrace.org
