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My Heart for the Journey
For as long as I can remember, I have felt a quiet pull toward those who are often overlooked, a weight in my heart for people in the margins. At home here in North Carolina, I have loved serving homeless neighbors in Charlotte, single moms and children in need, as well as others through the various ministries my church supports.
A few years ago, I made the decision to complete high school in three years, so I could set aside the year before college for mission. That meant I'd have to trade the traditional senior year experience for something very different, but I knew I wanted to give that year fully to God and his people.
Last summer, I took two mission trips to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to The Dream Center Esperanza. Those trips gave me a glimpse into what a longer-term mission could look like. Being there stripped away any superficial ideas I had about service. It was grounding and deeply personal even though I was surrounded by my friends and even my younger brother. More than anything, it confirmed that the path I had been preparing for was the one God intended me to take.
My gap year now has a name: The World Race. Beginning this coming August, I'll serve for 9 months in Albania, Greece, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala. There is a natural nervousness that comes with such a journey, but it is outweighed by a deep sense of gratitude.
I am laying my 'yes' at His feet, trusting that He will use this journey to continue the work He began long ago. I’m not sure what lies ahead, but I am ready to follow where He leads.
Where I'm going
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Albania, Greece, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, & Guatemala
Some of these countries may surprise you. You may have even visited some on vacation. That doesn't mean there aren't people there in need.
My route is centered on Biblical hospitality and belonging, coming alongside local ministries that serve people who have been displaced, overlooked, or pushed to the margins. That may mean serving meals in shelters, spending time with children and youth in orphanages, helping in community centers and recovery ministries, visiting rural villages, supporting refugee and migrant families, or simply sitting with people and building relationships. The World Race doesn't have its own agenda. It works alongside established local ministries already serving their communities.
The tasks in each place will change, but the job is always the same: to show up humbly, love people well, and point them to Jesus as I seek what He has planned for me.
Fun Facts/FAQs
Training camp begins August 21, 2027, in Gainesville, Georgia (USA). After a week of training, worship, team-building, and preparation, I officially launch overseas on August 30, 2027.
My return to the U.S. is scheduled for May 21, 2028. I hope to then serve as a summer counselor for Fuge Camps here in the States before leaving for college in August (Location TBD! I'm applying now and deferring admission for a year.)
It depends on the country and the ministry partner. Housing is arranged through The World Race and its local partners, and life on the Race is intentionally pretty simple. I may stay in ministry housing, host homes, churches, shared rooms, or other basic accommodations. At Training Camp, we actually sleep outside in tents! This allows us to get used to tougher living conditions, including no air conditioning and running water, before we experience it abroad.
Lodging, food, and transportation while I'm on the Race are included in the program cost.