why the world race gap year?

In July of 2017, I went on a week-long mission trip to Haiti that would forever change my life. During that week, God shattered my view on what it meant to live like Jesus and what it meant to love others and then put it back together in the most amazing way. A spark was ignited that week and I developed a strong passion for missions. 

I love being able to learn about different cultures and hear stories from people who live so differently than I do. Something that really struck me that week was the way the people of Kalapa, Haiti loved. No matter what challenges they were facing–whether it be losing their home to a hurricane, or struggling with health problems–they welcomed us in with open arms, and never lost sight of Jesus. 

I realized that this is how we are meant to live. We are called to love God and to love others. To tell others about how amazing a life with Christ is. I am so excited to be able to do this in such a big way on the World Race. 

In the same year I went to Haiti, I heard about the World Race Gap Year. I started to feel this strong tug on my heart, and I immediately felt called to do this. I would find myself thinking and praying about it constantly. This honestly terrified me for a long time. The thought of being away for so long and fundraising intimidated me. 

I doubted if I was good enough to do something like this. I asked God “why me?” I couldn’t understand why He would want to, or how He could use me on this trip. Since I found out about the trip, I have spent a lot of time in prayer over this decision and over my doubts and fears, and I finally was able to say yes to this incredible calling!

I am doing the World Race for community. To further His Kingdom. To love others. For spiritual growth. For obedience to Christ. For the Great Comission. I am doing the World Race because telling others about the Gospel is worth going around the world for. It’s worth whatever sacrifice it may take.

It still feels crazy to say that I’m actually doing this, but I’m so excited to be able to start this journey. I have no idea what God has in store for me in this, but I can’t wait to find out how He will work in and through me and my squad on the World Race!