If you’re currently reading this, you probably know by now that I’m not attending college directly after I graduate from high school. I have felt a calling from God over the past few years to go out into the world to serve Him and experience how he works in less developed countries than the United States.
How Did I End up Choosing the World Race?
Throughout my whole life, I have wondered what I would be doing after I graduate. Always looking forward to growing up and being an adult; being a big kid, and being able to make my own decisions. When I was little, I wanted to own horses and be a teacher. I have always wanted to go on mission trips, but the first one I was going to attend got canceled due to Covid. I have also tried looking for other trips to attend during the duration of high school, but haven’t found any that I was qualified for or would work in the time I had available. That thought of being a teacher and owning horses made a complete 180-degree turn at a Christian family camp the summer after sophomore year. I felt like God was calling me to do more with my life. After lots of research and chatting with people I found this nine-month-long gap year mission trip through World Race.
After briefly explaining why I chose this mission trip to attend directly after I graduate, here are three reasons why I’m choosing to venture out into the world and serve God rather than the traditional college education route.
1. God Has Called me to Serve Him Overseas
Over the years, I have learned that I have a heart given by God to serve those who are less fortunate than I am. I want to be able to use the gifts that He has given me to serve and honor Him for all of his glory. Not only do I have a heart for those who are less fortunate, but specifically for children. I love having the purest, cutest conversations with them. They have a heart unlike any adult and their joy lights up the world. I’m not sure why God has put this calling to serve Him overseas and not in the United States, but I’m taking the opportunity to grow in my faith and grow in my knowledge of other cultures and countries.
2. I Want to Experience God in Other Cultures
I have never been outside of the United States for missions or vacations. I have always wanted to experience other cultures and learn how other countries roll compared to America. I want the opportunity to be able to learn more about other cultures, religions, and overall ways of living. I hope that while on this trip God will show not just me, but my whole squad how He works in other countries and in the lives of everyone around us.
3. I’m so Excited For the Opportunity to Grow in My Faith
There will be many challenges, obstacles, and hurdles that I will face while on this trip. They will be very difficult, with the help of my squad mates, but most importantly God, He will help me through them. These difficulties will only make my faith stronger, and I don’t know what they entail, but I know that I need to give all I have to Him. God is the only steady rock I have in my life, and He will be the one dependent person I can lean on throughout this trip. Not only will there be difficulties, but there will be joy and praise. There will be super exciting events and experiences that will amaze me. I will see God work miracles I have never seen in my life before and it will tremendously change my view on life and Him. I will experience and see things I never thought would occur in my life, and it will be life-changing.
I am so excited that God has called me on this trip, and I cannot wait for what He has in store for me! 🙂
With Love,
Alexina
