When I began my senior year of high school the questions started, “where you going to go to school next year?” “Are you going to Tallahassee like your siblings?” As my senior year came to an end I did apply to a few colleges and considered Tallahassee. I continuously kept praying about the direction God wanted me to take. My parents have always encouraged a gap year. I wasn’t quite sure exactly what this was or what it would look like. Feeling very overwhelmed and not feeling at peace about any college I applied to I did some investigating of my own considering a gap year. I checked out many different organizations and prayed about it for an entire month not even including my parents on this quest of mine. I found an organization called the World Race. The first lines I read on their website were “are you sick of everybody asking you where you going to school? What are you going to major in? Then why not consider a gap year?” The more I investigated this idea the more at peace I felt about it. Now keep in mind I’m an introvert, a homebody, love to be with my family. I was scared but then fear became excitement and expectation of how God wanted to use this year of my life! My mom calls me her hands and feet girl, she knows me well. I applied and was recently accepted to the Gap Year World Race. I will be leaving mid-September traveling to Thailand for three months, South Africa for three months, and then Nicaragua for three months. I will be working in orphanages, schools, anywhere that is needed investing in that local community. You must be 18-22 to go on this trip so I’m excited to be with my peers from all over this country and Canada.
After I was excepted I thought, what am I doing? And then I really felt the Lord said. “I know you love your family but you need to put me first.” In obedience I’m going. I’m excited that God is choosing to use me on His mission field.
I would love for you to come along with me. I will treasure your prayers throughout my journey.
I will miss my family, church community throughout my time away. I’ll miss seeing you at Christmas, throughout the holidays, but I know this is something I need to do.
Samantha Teresa Farmer
