The Adventure Begins

Wow, my first blog. This is honesty kind of daunting, but super exciting for me. For my first blog I want to talk about what the World Race is, some info about the countries I will be ministering in (taken from the World Race website), and most importantly, why I am going on the World Race. So here it goes:

The World Race Gap Year is a 9-month mission trip to 3 countries around the world. Through the World Race Gap Year, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, and ultimately bring hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. For me specifically, my mission field will be Romania, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, where I will spend 3 months living in each country with my “Squad”. 

 

The first country I will be going to is Romania. Romania was isolated behind the Iron Curtain, and it was one of the least visited countries in Europe up until 15 years ago. World Race partners in Romania love relational ministry and ask Racers to spend lots of time getting to know people over coffee, dinner, or long walks. In this country, I will likely get the opportunity to share my faith while passing out eye glasses and Bibles in the local language. There’s also a large Romani population (often unkindly referred to as gypsies). These people are often rejected and discriminated against. My team and I will spend time in these communities, getting to know the people, and sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ. 

Next your Gap Year journey will take us to the “Land of Eternal Spring” – Guatemala. This is a country where Adventures has an established base. Guatemala is one of the most evangelical countries in the world. We will have the opportunity to work alongside local believers working to bring the Word of Christ to a new generation. You might spend your days building relationships with youth who are at risk for falling into gang violence, but you could also teach English or kick a soccer ball around in the lush rainforest terrain with volcanoes dotting the skyline. Life in Guatemala is slow and focused around hospitality, and it’s a truly stunning place where God is raising up a generation to serve His Kingdom.

Last, but not least Ecuador. Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, this nation is full of beautiful beaches, vast highlands and very proud locals. My team and I will most likely get to serve with a World Race partner, Inca Link, in Ecuador’s capital, Quito. My team’s work in Ecuador will include ministering to children living on the streets, serving in hospitals for people with special needs, spending time in elderly homes, working with feeding programs, and teaching English. Overall our time in Ecuador will be focused around building relationships and sharing hope and joy in Christ with everyone we meet along the way.

 

Why am I going on the World Race?

Over the past few years, I have been involved with many Christian organizations and I have fallen in love with serving others. Whether that be volunteering in a thrift store or working with kids that have special needs, these things have allowed me to develop leadership skills and grow in my faith. When I heard about the Word Race I immediately knew that it was something I wanted to do at some point in my life. I didn’t realize it would be so soon. I prayed hard about it and and have felt led to go this year. I will not be attending my freshman year of college this fall 2019, but I do plan on attending when I get back in 2020. 

 

As I walk into this next season, I ask that you would pray for my Squad and I as we prepare to launch and begin this amazing opportunity to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ.