Writing this almost seems impossible to me. It’s hard to express my excitement, nerves, fears, and goals in a 12 point font, Times New Roman blog post. This blog will most likely be all over the place, but hey! I’m a rookie at this!
When people hear that I’m taking a gap year, they assume I’m either spending it in a westernized country or think I’m a wasting my time by not jumping straight into college. When I would feel pressured to revert back to the social norms of my high school, God would place Acts 1: 8 in my head.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
… and to the ends of the earth..
Instead of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, I will be witnessing in Nicaragua, Thailand, and Swaziland.
In case you’re wondering what the heck World Race Gap Year is, let me tell you! It’s a nine month mission trip for students either right after high school or in college. It’s for people who desire to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10. I will be living for 3 months each in Nicaragua, Thailand and Swaziland. In those countries, I’ll be loving abandoned and orphaned children, helping women in the sex industry, evangelizing, and basically just listening and following the Lord at his every command. I am desperate to seek the community and experiences that God handcrafted for me before the sun and the sky were created. I am overwhelmed that the Lord has placed this mission on my heart and has chosen me to be His hands and His feet so I can share his glory “to the ends of the earth.”
My “ends of the earth” are everywhere my feet are placed. It is every person I meet. Not only in these 9 months, but every day of my life.
My excitement overcomes my fear. My trust in the Lord overcomes my doubt. I pray that I stay obedient to the call to provide God-given love to the people who are unaware of the freedom that is awaiting them. I can’t wait for a lifetime of “YES GOD!”
I am seeking prayer partners, mentors, encouragers, financial partners to fund me, and a whole lot of love and prayers before/during my journey. I can’t do this alone, I need love from all areas of life to support me so I can fully love God’s people with everything I have!! Love, conversation, donations, and prayers are so welcomed!
Thank you for taking the time to read about my upcoming journey! I’ll hopefully be posting frequently to keep everyone updated on my preparation and of course the work I will be doing once I’m on the field!! Thank you for doing this crazy thing with me! <33333
