Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

 

     My name is Melanie and I’m 23 years old. I grew up (and left part of my heart!) in Arizona. I first lived under the beautiful sunsets of Tucson and then in the pine covered White Mountains. My parents and older brother, Ben (25), still live in Lakeside, AZ so I get to visit often but my new home is in Washington, DC. 
 
     I moved east a few days after graduating from Northern Arizona University for an internship, which turned into a temporary job at the White House, which then led to my current position with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (the IMLS is a small federal agency that oversees federal funding for museums and libraries). I work as the special assistant to the director of the agency as her travel assistant – I love it! I get to schedule, plan, brief, and accompany her as she travels both domestically and internationally. I LOVE to travel so it is a great job for me! 
 

   I also love trying new things, playing tennis, telling punny jokes, and going to the movies or large sporting events. I am most happy when I am busy and active but I also really enjoy relaxing with friends over coffee, trolling through outdoor markets and reading historical fiction. I absolutely adore Washington, DC and feel so blessed to live here. I try to act like a tourist often so I don’t miss out on all the city has to offer. 

   I am super excited for an opportunity like the World Race because I don’t want to become a boring Christian, I desire a broken and bleeding heart for the nations, and to be an obedient follower of Jesus.  Also, I am at a point spiritually where I am ready to seriously be challenged and grow in my faith like never before. I was so fortunate to grow up in a loving, Christian family but I don’t want to fall back on that and, thus, become complacent.  I want to keep being stretched and maturing in my walk with the Lord.   What better way than living out of a backpack for a year in community with Christian brother and sisters around the world?!