If you want to receive email updates about new blog posts, just click the “Subscribe for Updates” button under my profile picture! All you have to do is put your email in. I will be posting at least once a week starting in October.
I forgot God in my gap year plans.
Like many young adults, I felt at a loss about what career to chose and, at the same time, grateful for the multitude of career choices, a luxury not afforded to the majority of the world’s population. So before shipping off to college as the next stepping stone towards my future, as society generally dictates, I decided to go backpacking in New Zealand for a year.
At first, I exuded excitement in my backpacking plans. I researched frantically and binged on travel vlogs–and blogs–crazily.
Soon enough, the golden age of backpacking anticipation ended when dissatisfaction crept in through the back door like a thief in the night.
Do you know that empty feeling you get sometimes when you are surrounded by friends at an hang-out event or party you were excited for, only to feel like something is missing? Or that there’s something more to this life?
I knew that the missing piece was God; there is nothing greater and more fulfilling than loving a God who is love.
Dissatisfaction came in quietly at first, then hit me with unexpected force equal to a speeding monster truck.
Although I had every intention of following God’s plan for my future, at some point along the way, I got tired of waiting and started planning on my own. It took me a while to realize I was drifting from God because of my self-centered backpacking plans. When I realized the distancing that was happening, I began to pray.
God reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
I revoked my gap year plans in exchange for God’s because I knew that He loves me unconditionally and has the best plan for my future. After renewing my commitment to God, He gave me a desire I never had before: to be a missionary.
In late December 2015, I went to the Higher Calling Conference in San Diego. There, God’s call overwhelmed me as I shared with my small group the desire God placed in my heart.
At that conference, God’s calling for my gap year became clear.
I want to have a deeper relationship with Jesus,
to be a light for Jesus in a dark world that needs His love,
Him to break my heart for what breaks His,
to share the Savior’s unconditional love,
And for my Father in heaven to say that I have fought the good fight and finished the race well.
Through the World Race program run by Adventure in Missions (a non-profit organization since 1989), my team and I will be serving in a specific community within India, Malaysia, and Zambia for three months at a time. World Racers serve alongside local community churches and ministries to share the Gospel, plant churches, minister to the women in children who have been involved in sex trafficking, serve in orphanages, and spread the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
If God gives you a desire to help support me on this journey here are three ways you can support me!
1. Any financial support will be greatly appreciated! Donations can be made by clicking the donate button near the top of this webpage or by clicking here. Gifts through Adventure in Missions are tax-deductible and non-refundable in accordance to the non-profit regulations set by the IRS. Definitely contact me if you have any questions or would rather donate in person or via check!
My first fundraising goal is $5,000 by July 22! Honestly, fundraising is a daunting task, and even though I know that God will provide, I still feel overwhelmed at times, so encouragements and prayers would be truly wonderful gifts as well.
2. Please pray for me as I prepare for this journey, for my team, and for the people I will encounter. I also will be praying for the team of people God has supporting me and would love to know if you have any prayer requests (here’s the email link)!
3. Please feel free to leave a comment and share my blog with your friends and family, on social media, or even with strangers on the street! (I’m totally joking about the strangers part).
I am grateful for any support you can give!
