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FIRST BLOG POST!

 

I am so excited to share my story of how I got here, just a few months away from the biggest adventure of my life so far! I’ll start with the biggest “why?”, why missions? 

 

For years I would get the question, like every other kid, what do you want to be when you grow up? Like so many others I had lots of great careers I truly believed I would do. I would say teacher, stay at home mom, physical therapist, and probably so many more. These were all things I either thought I would love, or on a practical side, make me a good amount of money. In October of 2018, one of my best friends told me she felt like I was called to go into missions. When she said that something clicked in me, that sounded so perfect. But me being a control-needing planner needed a plan that guaranteed me money. I thought of this plan to go to a christian college, major in physical therapy, minor in missions, and do medical missions on the side of my money making day job. I ended up dropping out of highschool in the middle of my tenth grade year due to crippling anxiety and depression following my parent’s divorce. I thought this would wreck my “perfect plan” of mixing missions and physical therapy. The season of healing that followed me leaving school was the best, most life changing time that I am SO grateful for! I learned what it meant to truly seek God, walk in freedom, and rely on Him instead of striving for His approval that I was good enough.

 

Why the World Race? When I was meeting with my mentor back in February we were talking about me wanting to do missions, and how I didn’t know what that meant for me. She brought up one of her friends who had been on an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. My first thought was “Wow, that’s a long time!” I was immediately interested, and asked what organization this was with and she told me World Race. As soon as I got home I was on the website reading about all of the different opportunities for at least 2 hours (I was hooked). I had gotten discouraged not knowing what my next step towards my calling would be, but reading about the amazing things God was doing all around the world reminded me of my passion for missions.

 

Why Africa? Since I was little I have always been drawn to travel and other cultures, specifically Africa. I remember in elementary school The Children of the World dancers came and performed in our chapel service; they wore traditional outfits from their country while they danced and sang about the love of Jesus. I absolutely loved it, but I was especially drawn to the two girls from Uganda. Their outfits were so beautiful, and I could see the love of Jesus in their smiles. When I had the opportunity to go to Uganda in 2018, I was so excited! That trip confirmed which route I wanted to pursue when I decided to apply for the Race. I am ecstatic to go back to Africa, and to see what God has planned for me and my squad! 

 

I am so happy I get to share this journey through my blog over the next several months. If you want to stay updated on where I am on fundraising or any other update before or during my trip; feel free to subscribe so you can know when I post!

 

-With love, Eleanor

 

2 Comments

  1. Eleanor, I am so excited for your commitment to missions and to Africa. I am proud that you are continuing the heritage of faith our family has been blessed with and you long to share it with the world.

    Love and prayers.

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