A big question surrounding my decision to go on the World Race Gap Year has been "..but why?". After all, I already had my college plans lined up, so why leave the country for 9 months to go to unfamiliar places? But that's just it. TO GO TO UNFAMILIAR PLACES. All my life I've lived in my comfort zone. Traveling with a group of people I don't know to places I've never been is an incredible opportunity to break out of the American suburbs bubble I've always been in. Another reason is the purpose behind the World Race. My college and career plans, prior to hearing about the race, were primarily based on thoughts such as "I'll make a lot of money", "I'll have a steady career", etc. It was all about ME. I hadn't involved God in any of my decision making or future plans, it was all based on what I wanted and what I thought was best for myself. After going on a short-term mission trip to Mexico, I realized that my plans were ultimately pointless because there was no eternal purpose behind them. Not to say that careers besides being a missionary or things of the sort can't have a Kingdom-minded purpose, I just wasn't planning to use my career choice for God's glory. It was all for my own. So here we are! The Lord has completely shifted my focus and direction and I couldn't be more thankful and excited. Glory to God!!