A question I have already been asked and I know I will continue to get asked until I leave.
So why the World Race?
When I was 16, I had a sweet friend decide to do the Gap Year program. I remember sitting with her in Pei Wei as she told me about the amazing adventure she was getting ready to embark on. I saw this spark ignite within her, and I was captured. I went home and did some research, but instead of falling in love with the Gap Year, I fell in love with the World Race. I had a passion to see the world, and while I knew Jesus at the time, I was more captivated by traveling. Little did I know what Jesus had in store.
As I graduated high school and started college, I kept the World Race in the back of my mind. I knew I wanted to learn about Jesus, but I wasn’t quite sure what that looked like. As I continued through my college career, I met Jesus on such a deep, intimate level, and was given the greatest gift of all, His grace. Over the past few years, I have grown to know Jesus and fall more in love with our relationship everyday. As I grew to know Jesus, the World Race was evermore present, because not only could I now travel the world, but now I could serve Jesus while sharing His goodness.
During my college career, I have tried to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Something I’ve learned though, is that my future, is not mine. It’s the Lord’s. He has a grand plan for my life, and I don’t even know the half of it. So while I was trying to plan my life, the Lord was watching, waiting for me to run to Him. And let me tell you, running to Him, has led me to the most beautiful path.
So now here I am, entering my senior year, and the ever pressing question of what are you going to do after you graduate, is needing an answer. Over the past few months, I have sat in prayer and meditation with the Lord, asking Him what His plans are for my life. I knew I wanted to follow His path, but wasn’t sure where it started.
About a week ago, I applied for the World Race. When I saw the routes released, I found myself crying tears of joy. I finally had the chance to apply. After 5 years of dreaming, praying, and asking the Lord, I found myself applying for the Pacific Rim. Over this past week, I prayed to the Lord, asking Him, was this something I wanted to do because I have wanted to do this for so long, or is this something the Lord is calling me to? The Lord made it very clear to me. He is calling me to the World Race.
Gabi, thank you for sharing your love for Jesus Christ and the spiritual inspiration for your life. The Great Race will be an awesome experience! Robin and I really enjoyed talking to you last week about your life mission and look forward to your updates. Best wishes!
Do well. Make a difference. Have fun and remember Micah 6:8.
(Go Hogs!)
Gabriela,
What an amazing journey you’ll be on – you’re courage and selflessness is admirable ! Congratulations and we’ll look forward to your updates !