So I signed up for this trip, it seems only reasonable for people to ask why.  Here we go...

Since graduation, I have been working and coaching, trying to figure out my next step in life.  I was ultimately accepted into an accelerated nursing program and fully intended on beginning that additional schooling in May.  My thoughts changed when I read a blog post from one of my friends at Hope College.  An interesting side note is that she was the first peer I spoke with standing in the registration line at our freshmen dorm on our first day of college.  Pretty cool. I was intrigued by her post and what she was doing with her year so I explored the matter further.  After just a few minutes of clicking around the website it became clear to me that I needed to give this opportunity some strong consideration.  I researched further, got in contact with my friend, spoke with a large number of both peers and adults, talked about it at length, and prayed pretty much constantly for a few weeks and finally decided to apply.  I successfully made it through the interview process with a thumbs up for acceptance.  I knew I had my answer.  This opportunity was too extraordinary for me to ignore.  While the nursing school was a solid and comfortable choice, I was drawn to the unknown that the World Race had to offer.  The best way to explain my feeling is a scene from the Disney movie, Aladdin.  Aladdin is standing on the magic carpet and asks Jasmine if she trusts him.  Now Jasmine is left with two choices: stay on her comfortable balcony with a nice but known view or go with Aladdin and literally experience a whole new world.  I was Jasmine to God's Aladdin.  Suffice it to say, I am officially going on the World Race.  There has always been somewhat of a pull towards mission work.  I've known that it would be a part of my life in some capacity.  Helping contribute to God's kingdom by serving His people is a humbling and awesome experience.  Here's to an exciting Race!