Is this real life?!

As I sit here writing these words it is finally starting to fully sink in and all I keep thinking is “is this real life?!” The past month since applying to go on the Race has been a whirlwind of phone calls, prayers, compiling fundraising ideas, happy tears of joy, and many, many conversations with anyone and everyone about going on the race. I am so thankful to have made it to this stage in the process and am so excited to start sharing this journey with all of you!

Let me start by introducing myself: Hello! I’m Amelia and I currently live in Central IL. I’m passionate about Jesus, traveling, ice cream, and photography! since I was little I have always been interested in missions. At 5 years old I would go around telling people “I’m going to be a missionary when I grow up!” Last year I had the opportunity to go to Mexico with a team from my church and the experience rocked my world. It is such an amazing feeling to be living your day to day life with the sole-purpose being to share Jesus with the people around you. I came back from the trip knowing that I wanted to do more missions work but I was unsure of what to do next. Earlier this year I went back to Mexico for a 2nd time which was such a wonderful trip but I could hear God telling me “there is something more.” Fast forward to now and I am reminded just how faithful God is to fulfill what he has spoken.

I first heard about Adventure in Missions from people who had gone on the World Race. I remember thinking “a program where you get to spend almost a year doing missions full-term actually exists?! I got super excited and looked into it more, watched ALL the youtube videos, and was so intrigued! But since that program is for 21 year olds and up I knew that just wouldn’t fit into the timing God has for my life, so I decided to put that dream on the back-burner and focus on pursuing other mission opportunities. Then a few months ago I started looking into the WR Gap Year program more and really beginning to seriously consider it as an option for next year! As I talked to my parents and other people in my life about it I began to feel super peaceful and secure in the decision to go! 

So here we are! I am so excited to share this crazy amazing journey with you every step of the way! Thank you all for your support through continued prayers, financial support, and for cheering me on! Love you guys!