The teenage years bring a lot of questions, but one that pops up more often than others is “What is your plan for after high school?”. I vaguely remember the first time I heard this question, but mostly because I had no answer. I always wanted to have an answer, I just never found something that ‘felt right’ or seemed like ‘my calling’. So freshman year when a close friend mentioned the World Race, I was intrigued. A gap year seemed fun, different, and maybe even like the thing for me. I knew I wanted to help people and love Jesus more, and I knew I didn’t just want college. For freshman year Grace, that seemed like enough.
Now, halfway through my senior year after praying and researching for 3 years, my reasons for choosing the World Race have expanded, they had to. The first time I mention my plans to someone new, they think I’m crazy. Which is fair, leaving everything I’ve ever known to live out of a backpack for 9 months sounds absurd. After a few times of explaining “why”, I came to realize that my reason was much deeper than what I was sharing with people. Sure, I’m a little lost when it comes to college and adulthood. This gives me time to decide and also gives me more chances to experience the world before choosing my path. But it’s also shown that it will set me up better for the real world, and prepare me for what is to come after the trip. And serves a bigger purpose than myself. 9 months of intentional missions work in the name of the Lord is a gift, and something that not every Christian gets the option to do. Months and months of prayer have led to this journey, a step out in faith simply because I felt called by the Lord. What more reason did I need than to serve Him and grow in my relationship?
So now we’re here, 9ish months from departing and I am insanely excited for this opportunity. I thank God every day that this is my calling, and that He has blessed me in this way. I’m sure that through Him and through this crazy adventure, not only will my life be changed, but the lives of people all over the world will be as well. And that feels like a good enough reason! 🙂
You’re Amazing Grace (??). Happy for you!!
You are an incredible amazing young woman Grace Shaw & I can’t wait to read more about this amazing journey you’re about to embark on. Always ready for that next blog to see what you’re doing & love & prayers will always be with you.????
Grace. I am so excited for God’s call on your life. This will be a preparation for all the rest God has for you. You are a blessed and highly favored young woman for God to use you on times such as these.
Prayers for you and your family as you are continuing led. ????
I am so very proud of you and your decision to take this Godly journey. He definitely has big plans for you and the rewards will be more than you could ever imagine. You have always been in my prayers since the day you were born. Now more than ever my prayers are for your heart to be so full of Jesus that it shines through your smile and your actions. Grandma loves you with all her heart and knows this will be an experience that will guide you in life no matter your path afterwards, but having Christ surrounding you forever!?
Grace, this sounds like an amazing opportunity and we are excited for you! Thank you for your heart’s desire to share the love of Jesus and be His hands and feet in these various countries. Wee look forward to hearing more along the way and please know that you will definitely be in our prayers as you embark on this mission! Sending much love to you and your family!
I have so enjoyed watching you grow and mentally prepare for this journey over the past year. I can hardly believe this is really happening, in just 2 shorts months! This is going to be an incredible experience (for all of us)! I am excited to see how God will use you and the person He is helping you become. I pray everyday for His blessing and provision over you and your squad… that He will bring blessings to you and help them flow through you to others!
I have so enjoyed watching you grow and mentally prepare for this journey over the past year. I can hardly believe this is really happening, in just 2 shorts months! This is going to be an incredible experience (for all of us)! I am excited to see how God will use you and the person He is helping you become. I pray everyday for His blessing and provision over you and your squad… that He will bring blessings to you and help them flow through you to others!