One of the first questions everyone asks me when they learn I am going on this trip is, "What organization are you going through?" or "How did you hear about that?". So, I will use this post to explain how I got to this point. 

       I have always loved travel and helping people. I have been fortunate enough to go out of the country more than once, and have enjoyed the personal growth I experienced every time while interacting with locals and immersing myself in the local culture. I often find myself either traveling or helping people, but I am always looking for chances to combine these passions when I can. 

       After graduating college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. There was no distinct career path for me to follow, and I have so many things I love to do that I had trouble just picking one job or career path. So instead of jumping straight into something, I decided to trust that God had a plan, and at the moment it was for me to wait for His call and timing for the perfect job. So, I found a job (or two) that helped pay the bills, and set a goal to become debt free. In the mean time, I had been making new friends, experiencing new things, and making new connections. After a bonfire with some friends early in the summer, someone asked if I had heard of the world race. I said no, and she explained the organization and encouraged me to look into it.

       After looking into world race more, I realized this was an amazing opportunity and an opportunity I had been praying for. I prayed over it, filled out the application, and prayed some more. It became clear that this was the path for me, especially since it will not be an easy one. In the next month, I will be moving all my things out of my apartment and into a storage unit, raising all the money for this trip, and closing out what I don't need for three months, while also continuing to work, volunteer when I can, and squeeze in last minute visits with family and friends before I leave. 

       I am so grateful for this opportunity, and thankful that God led me to this journey. I look forward to seeing what amazing things come from the work and ministry we will lead. Ultimately, I look forward to seeing the changes God brings out in our team as we work alongside each other, leaning into our faith and the God we trust.