My name is Sarah Lytle, I am 27 years old and I was born and raise in central Ohio. I graduated from Hocking College in December of 2014, with an Associates Degree in Massage Therapy. I come from a big, loud and crazy family that I wouldn’t trade for the world! My family is one of the most important things in my life. My Mom and I are very close, she is one of my best friends. My Nana and I have a close relationship as well, I lived with and cared for her for a few years after my Papa went home to Heaven. While I don’t live with her anymore, I still visit her regularly and would do anything for her. I have two sisters (one younger, one older) and an older brother. I don’t get to see any of them as much as I would like to, but when we get together we have a great time!
I’ve grown up in the church. It seemed like when I was growing up we spent more time at church and church functions than anywhere else. I lived for summer camps, mission trips, and retreats with my church family. My relationship with the church and God has been strong and steady except for right after my parents divorce. The change in my family, completely turned my world upside down. During this time, it seemed like because of what was happening in my family, everyone in our church took a step back from us or pushed us away. Instead of feeling the love and compassion I had come to expect from my church I felt like I was met with cold shoulders. During this time I took some time away from church, while still keeping my relationship with God. I am thankful to say that I have recently found a new church home. Once I began to attend church regularly again my heart began overflowing with joy and love again. I had briefly forgotten how much my heart yearned to be in the house of the Lord, celebrating and worshiping His name with other followers of Christ. God has started healing the hurts of my past, and continues to work on my heart now.
I’ve had a heart for travel and serving others since middle school, when I went on my first mission trip. I’ve been on three mission trips, each one increasing the pull on my heart to show the world the love of God. After I graduated from college, I became restless in looking for a purpose in my life. I’ve known I’ve been called to missions for a long time, but knowing something and following through with it are two completely different things. After time and prayer, I realized mission work was what was missing from my life. I’ve been called not just back into the mission field but to a mission trip unlike any I’ve ever been on. This trip, the World Race, will take me away from my family and friends for almost a year. All the while I will be living out of a backpack and traveling to 11 different countries, serving those who need it most. As I prepare for this trip I am both scared and excited. Stepping so far out of my comfort zone, away from everything I know, scares me. At the same time I am beyond excited to see what God is planning for this trip, how He will use me to work in the lives of others.
I want to thank each and every one of you for coming on this journey with me. Please pray for me as I prepare for and leave on this journey with God and my team.
