Hey everyone! I am so excited to be writing my first blog! It is so cool to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with others on this journey. For this blog, I would like to explain how I came to this point: a member of the World Race! Looking back, it is hard to pinpoint THE moment where I decided the World Race was for me. There was no lighting strike. No part in the Red Sea. No clear-cut sign. As I began to think more about this question, I realized that it really started four years ago on my first mission trip to Honduras.

I had never really put much thought into going on a mission trip when I was young. It was, in more ways than one, 'foreign' to me. When I was in 8th grade, my parents brought up the opportunity, something I believe God placed in their hearts. They showed me multiple trips to do within the church. I didn't think much of it at first, putting it to the side, not wanting to make such a big decision. Yet they brought it up continuously, while I continuously pushed it back, telling them I was unsure. But one special moment when they brought it up, I said, "Yes." I didn't really understand why I decided to do so, but it was a moment where I now see that God had decided to speak through me.

In the summer of 2016, I traveled to Honduras with my Grandma and others from my church. I had no clue what to expect, but I soon realized that the experience was something I would never forget. I got to meet so many new people. I made friends with those at the children's home. I saw a whole new world. The trip moved my heart in many ways.

I had loved it so much, I convinced more of my family to travel along with me again the next year. A couple years after that, I felt God moving through me again. There was the opportunity to go to New York City, and similarly, I didn't think much of it at first. But then I felt that urge, and God led me to say ‘Yes!’

When I heard about the World Race, I thought it was a cool opportunity, although I didn't put much emphasis on it. I had my mind set on going to college when I graduated. That's what society says you do. But God had other plans.

I received awesome support from others about the World Race. I applied, and when I was accepted, I realized it was a real possibility. I knew the best way to approach my decision was to pray for God's guidance. I believe he spoke to me in little ways here and there; a song on the radio, a voice in my head. But at the end of the week, when I had to make the decision, I was still unsure. Fear was still pulling me back. But God overcame my soul again, and I said yes. 

Looking back, I have learned a valuable lesson from these decisions. I learned the importance of faith over fear. Fear sometimes overwhelms me in my tough decisions, but I know that I can find hope when I trust in the Lord, especially when he calls on me. I believe He called on me for this journey, and I want to make sure that I continue to use the most powerful word as he guides me through it... ‘Yes!’