Hey there everybody!
So if you're reading this you know that I will be adventuring out into the world for 11 months to serve the Lord our God! I leave next January (in 2014) and I cannot express how excited and grateful I am! And if you've clicked on this particular blog you are strange enough to want to know more things about me, so here goes:
We moved to Edmond, OK, from Kansas when I was four years old and have lived here ever since. I absolutely love it here! Anyone who lives in Oklahoma knows that we all joke about how boring it is and how there are approximately three hills and six trees in the entire state, but we all know deep down that we love it. Fly over states right?
I have two amazing parents who have been dating since they were 14 and married for 25 years, and the really crazy part? They still like each other! I'm the middle child and only girl, with an older brother at age 23, Brandon, and a younger one at 18, Matthew. They are the best brothers I could ever ask for and have given me more funny stories than I could even count, I love them so so much.
We were raised in a "Christian-home" and I have attended a Christian summer camp, called New Life Ranch, since I was 9, so I always knew of Jesus even before I fell in love with Him. New Life has the most amazing Leadership Development program there is and that's really where I found my personal relationship with the Lord and grew into the person that I am. I went through the three years of Leadership and then became a counselor on staff there, was the canteen manager last summer, and will be a counselor again this summer for my third consecutive year officially on staff. It has been the biggest blessing in my life. I could not be more grateful for that camp, the people there, and the ministry that goes on. Seriously, if you are looking for a place to send your kids, New Life will be the best week of their entire summer, and I especially recommend sending your kids through the LD program (the first level is for kids going into their sophomore year of high school).
I grew up in that place and got to know the Lord and eventually began to grow by teaching kids about Him and working with an amazing group of summer staffers every year. But I have always felt a deeper calling to serve. Serving is actually my favorite thing there is, I love being the person who is there and ready to help with even the worst jobs (especially those jobs really).
So when a friend of mine's older brother came back from the Race and I heard what it was all about, I instantly fell in love with idea. I was 14 at the time so I knew it would be a while before I could actually apply, but that time has finally come. If you don't believe God has perfect timing, listen to this: The Race is strictly for 21-35 year olds (with the 21 part being more strict than the 35 part obviously). But there is a sort of loophole that says if you turn 21 within the first six months of your route then you're elligible. I am currently 19. I turn 20 years old this June 1st. We launch January 1st of 2014. Then perfectly six months away, on my June 1st birthday, I will turn 21 years old. WHAT IN THE WORLD. GOD IS SO COOL. I am absolutely ecstatic to be going on the Race and for the experiences leading up to Launch as well.
I will be posting on here frequently with updates on my fundraising and other things up until I leave, and then this will be my main source of contact with you guys while on the trip!! So please please read them if you have the time, as I imagine that will be an amazing encouragement for me.
I hope God blesses your day!
Taylor Melchert
