SPOILER ALERT! I am not going to college (yet!! don’t worry mom). Instead of going straight into another four years of school, I have decided to pursue the World Race Gap Year.
“Mary…What the heck is this thing?!”
The World Race Gap Year is a nine-month mission trip to three different countries. During these nine-months I will be loving and serving people across the world.
“Okay, well, like where are you going and what exactly are you going to be doing?”
Currently, I have no idea where I will go or what I will do! I applied early to the gap year so the route options have not yet been opened and will open in September, so for now, I cannot answer that question but STAY TUNED!!! To give you a better idea though, the World Race Gap Year goes to countries such as India, Cambodia, Guatemala, Nepal, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Albania, and so many more! In each country, the World Race partners with long-standing ministries within the country to help make a long-term impact. Ministries include: working in orphanages, teaching English, helping in homes for women who have been rescued from sex-trafficking, building churches and more!
“I think I am starting to get it. But, why the World Race? Why even a gap year at all?”
I have wanted to take a gap year since my freshman year of high school. I want to take a year to learn about the things that I am passionate about and experience things that I never have before. I think a gap year helps people figure out what they want to do post-high school and take a break from the stress of school. The question of whether to do a gap year or not was an easy yes for me, but deciding on the World Race took time. In my pursuit of a gap year came A LOT of research, and I mean a lot!!! I looked at medical gap years, adventure gap years, internships, I even looked at getting paid to work at a farm in India (no joke), but as I researched, nothing seemed like the right fit. Then I took a break from all my research to figure out what I am passionate about and how I want to impact the world around me during my year off and the answer became clear! The one thing I am the most passionate about is serving others and sharing about the God of the Universe that loves them so deeply. Throughout my high school years I have been very involved in Young Life. Through this I was given the opportunity to serve at a Young Life camp for a month. There, I worked looooonngg days but I have never felt so much joy, contentment, or peace than when I laid every minute of my life down so others could hear about the Gospel. I knew that I wanted my gap year to look a whole lot like that month, serving others, sharing the Gospel, and building relationships. Then, an Instagram ad for the World Race popped up and I began to look into it. It intrigued me because not only did it give you the opportunity to see the world, but it was centered around sharing the love of God. After praying a lot about it and talking to people who had done it, I knew this is the next step for me after high school.
“That’s awesome! How can I help?”
Prayer! Donating! Encouragement!
Pray that the Lord would be preparing my heart for what He has in store for me, for opportunities to build relationships wherever I end up,that I would be able to be excited for this year while still staying present, and that fundraising would be plentiful and fun! Also, you can let me know how I can be praying for you by leaving a comment below or sending me a comment through the “Contact Me” tab, I would love to be praying for you!
Donate by clicking the link at the top or by venmoing me @Maryemoffett. Because the World Race is a non-profit organization, all donations are non-refundable; however they are tax deductible when you donate through the donate link on my bog! The money raised will go to cover all of my housing, food, and transportation for my trip. I hope that you will prayerfully consider partnering with me on this journey if you feel led.
Encouragement! This gap year is going to be HARD but so WORTH IT! you can help me by encouraging me both leading up to this year and while I am on the missions field.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my first blog (I promise they won’t all be this long)! I truly cannot do this without y’all and want to thank each of you for being a part of shaping me to who I am today. My goal for this journey is to grow in my relationship with God, and to serve, and love God’s people. If you have any questions please reach out!! I would love to answer them as best I can. You can contact me through the “Contact Me” tab or at my email : [email protected] and be sure to subscribe to my blog for more updates!
With love,
Mary
