My name is Nicholas Richardson and I am 21 years old. I was born in Lexington, KY but was raised in Hoover, AL. I graduated from Spain Park High School in 2016. I am a runner at heart.
I just finished my freshman year at Jeff State Community College. I plan on transferring to UAB and majoring in Criminal Justice – a field I feel I can be used to serve and really make a difference. In addition to school, I work part time at a restaurant, volunteer as a 3rd grade small group leader and co-lead freshman boys at Mountaintop Community Church. I have 3 crazy younger sisters, Kayla (13), Mekenzie (14), and C.C (17). I have a Marine dad and an amazing step-mom.
Somethings that I like to do: Run, play baseball, go on a hike, Photography/Videography, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
Random: I love Honeydew, kit-kats, and chocolate milk. Go Braves and Roll Tide!
My spiritual journey:
The journey of life is hard and painful but yet full of joy and happiness. My journey begins in 2006. I was ten years old when my grandparents from my moms side had passed away. My grandmother was a full on smoker but had great joy in her heart and was very thoughtful about me. At the end of her life, she had worked at this amazing place called the Ronald McDonald house. I am not sure what her position was, but to me, she acted like a manager. The best memories I had with her are at the Ronald McDonald house. I gave tours and greeted many families. We stayed up late watching King Kong, with a bowl of chocolate ice cream and topped with chocolate syrup. My grandfather on the other hand lived in New Mexico. He lived in the mountains. I did not know him as well, but he was the most interesting family member I had. He was a collector. He collected jewelry, watches, art, guns, and all sorts of Native American artifacts. I inherited some of his collections.
Soon after their passings, my mom went into major depression. She practically did not get up from the couch for two weeks and starved herself. She kept looking for satisfaction in earthy things to help her loneliness. She realized that alcohol was her temperately filling for her heart, then it became an addiction. This addiction is what killed her in April of 2011.
After her passing, I soon came to realize that I needed to be a leader for my household, my church, and in my school. I have been through many things but I always knew God has me in his hands. God is always in front of me and beside me.
I was raised in the church so I didn’t have a lot of objections to my faith growing up. I did however go through a journey of doubt. I had so many questions. Reading up on apologetics and devoting myself to spend time with God helped. Depression. I don’t want to make light of suicide because I didn’t think it was necessary but I did question my presence. What’s the point of being here? I didn’t think God was hearing my prayers. What’s the point of life if I am here running a race that has no finish line, that has no ultimate goal? My goal is to travel and spread the gospel, to help others grow deeper in their faith. My goal is to inspire others to MOVE and get out of their comfort zones. This is one of many reasons why I am called to go on this journey.
The World Race is a program sponsored by Adventure in Missions. Adventure in Missions has sent out over 100,000 short term missionaries since 1989. I will be going to 6 different countries in 9 months.
A little about each of the 6 countries
Swaziland
The small mountainous country of Swaziland has a dark secret: the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world. This pandemic has broken almost every family in Swaziland. Because of a promiscuous culture, the ancient tribal tradition of polygamy, and many myths about casual sex, 40% of Swazi children are orphaned. Words like “rape” and “abuse” can be found in elementary students’ workbooks. Mothers are often left widowed and with no means to support their hungry children, due to lack of education.
Lesotho
Landlocked inside South Africa, the tiny nation of Lesotho has the 2nd highest AIDS rate in the world—right under its neighbor, Swaziland. Yet Lesotho is 90% Christian, and has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. Despite the prevalence of Christianity and the availability of education, access to quality healthcare, travel, and educational resources is limited. About 40% of the population live below the poverty line, and children are often forced to work instead of going to school.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population, India is home to 29 languages, the religious practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and tribal religions, some of the spiciest food on the planet, and a highly segregated rich and poor class. Thanks to the ancient caste system, crimes of social injustice, discrimination, forced prostitution, and human trafficking occur daily. Baby girls are often killed and abandoned, simply because of the financial burden on their families. Lepers are treated as untouchables, and the poorest of the poor live in slums.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences I will have here, may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Nicaragua
Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” thick rainforests, rugged highlands, and beautiful beaches define Nicaragua’s beautiful landscape. Its rich history dates back to the Spanish conquistadores. However, hopelessness, addiction, destitution, and poverty plague many in Nicaragua. The poorest nation in Central America, almost 80% of Nicaraguans live on less than $2 a day. One in four Nicaraguans is either starving or suffering from malnutrition. Entire families live on and scrounge for scraps in city dumps. The people of Nicaragua need to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten by God.
Guatamela
Known as “The Land of Eternal Spring”, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Central America. Tourists travel from all over the world just to climb its volcanoes, drink its coffee, and zip line through the the rainforest. However, the true beauty of Guatemala is its people. Gripped by poverty, the people of Guatemala hunger for the Kingdom of God. I will share the beautiful truth that there is so much more to this life with people in Guatemala.
