Hello everyone, and welcome to my World Race blog! This is where I’ll post the majority of my updates on what’s going on leading up to the race and while on the field.
In case you don’t know, my name is Olivia, and as of right now I’m a homeschooled Senior in high school. For most of my life I’ve been raised in a small, rural town in western Kansas; living close by to a lion’s share of my immediate and extended family. That is, until recently, when my mom, my dad, my sister, and I moved down to Texas. An experience that has been difficult in nature, given that I have no memory of living anywhere else other than Kansas. We’re still working on putting down roots here, so I haven’t made any friends yet. (I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a social butterfly, but I do enjoy being around people, mainly my close friends.) But, the people here have been super nice, so I don’t think that’ll take too long. We’ll just have to wait and see I guess.
Maybe I’ll pop in at the Youth Group up the street. Just show up out of the blue! 😂
Anyway, let’s get back on topic so that we can get to the exciting part!
After lots of prayer and consideration, I believe the Lord is calling me to take part in the World Race Gap Year! So, this coming August I will set off to Training Camp for Route 1 (don’t quote me on the “1”), along with my Squad—which is growing by the day! I’m so excited to meet everyone! That means, we are all set to travel to Colombia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Africa. All these things, when put together, will give me the opportunity to grow in my faith, work with experienced coaches, and share the Gospel with people in need. Some of which I have already started to do!
Now, a little insight into why I’ve chosen to pursue the World Race…
So as most people come to find out, I was raised in a Christian home, and over the past year or so, I’ve been searching for what I want to do with my life after I finish high school. After much prayer, I kept finding myself coming back to this website I’d stumbled across several years ago, and initially dismissed because I was too young at the time (having just entered the 8th grade).
However, in hindsight, this was probably a good thing, because I’ve grown and changed so much since then and would not have been ready for a commitment as big as this has turned out to be. Not that age should be a deterrent from chasing after the things God has called you to do—as explained in a few of my favorite Bible verses: Jeremiah 1:6-12.
At any rate, I couldn’t quite figure out why I found the race so intriguing, besides for the obvious, that it combined two of my favorite things. Firstly, Jesus. And secondly, travel. Then one day, after I had just finished praying to God for guidance, I opened up my phone to realize they had just released the first Route for August 2025, and I started crying because I was instantly overwhelmed by emotions. I finally understood what God was calling me to do!
To continue prioritizing my faith, and take a step into the unknown to spread His word.
Since then He has continued moving in my life, teaching me about what exactly a testimony is (because I was too embarrassed to outright ask someone 😂), and showing me exactly what He was asking me to commit to. Well as much as can be expected for understanding at this point, since the exact ministries/churches we’ll be partnering with will be specified at at later date in order to be more proactive in addressing the evolving needs of the people in these countries.
Nevertheless, my decision to commit to the race didn’t become official until after my week long mission trip to Guatemala. It was an absolutely incredible and truly eye opening experience! They live so differently than what we are used to here in the States; and no matter where they seem to be in life, they have this contented aura about them. Especially, the children. They were happy to run around and play, all while chattering at me excitedly in Spanish, a language of which I understand none of.
Did you know in some native (probably a type of Mayan) Guatemalan language, Rock Paper Scissors is pronounced the way we say Pikachu? That was confusing.
When I left the States, I was pretty solid in my decision to come on the race, but the more time I spent in Guatemala the more I knew that this was the kind of work I wanted/was called to continue doing. Which is kind of funny, because while I was over there I missed a call from a World Race representative. I had inadvertently filled out the Quick Application right before I left, and never scheduled an interest meeting. 🤦🏼♀️
Right after that trip, I went home and scheduled an actual meeting to officially begin the application process. Then well, here I am!
I’m so excited to begin this new chapter of my life, walking the narrow path God has put out for me, and to go on sharing my faith with countless others.
Thank you so much for reading this! I hope that you continue to follow along on my journey. If you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. Please pray for my future team and I, and remember to listen to what God is telling you! Hope you have a great day! 🙃
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