Why I’m Going on the World Race

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Hi friends!

Welcome! I’m so excited to share this journey with you. Whether you’re someone I’ve known for years, or my mom was just excited to share my blog link with you, I’m really glad you’re here.

This January, I’m stepping into one of the biggest, most stretching adventures of my life so far: the World Race, an 11-month mission trip to six countries across Asia and Africa (Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda). I’ll be traveling with a team of other young adults through an organization called Adventures in Missions, our team will be partnering with local ministries to further their work.

For those who don’t know me well, let me give you a little background. Earlier this year, I hit pause on college to take some time to figure out what God was calling me to next.

I was in a place where I knew the Lord was pulling me away from my time at school, but I had no idea what that meant or where He was leading me. I felt really stuck and really unsure of the next step. I had a random, out-of-the-blue conversation with a fellow RA, a sweet friend who had both the courage and wisdom to speak truth into my life. She gently pointed me away from what I was clinging to–school–and toward something new, the World Race.

That conversation felt like a breath of fresh air, like sweet hope. It was the first time I could see how God might be redirecting me, even though I truly didn’t understand it yet. As I continued to process what God was doing in my life, I had several conversations with some of the wisest people I know, mentors, and friends who’ve walked with me through many seasons. Their prayers and guidance directed me to the truth, there is no better place to be than with Him, being in His will, walking with Him, it is the most fulfilling, peace-filled place I could ever be.

 It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew above all else, I needed to be obedient to where the Lord was calling me. I think that when we are at a crossroads, trying to make a decision, it can be easy to freeze in fear, and allow the big looming decision to paralyze us. Especially when you are faced with two beautiful, seemingly right choices. Whether it is which college to go to, what career to serve in, what city to plant your roots, or whether to take a new job or stay in your current one, these are the big moments in life when the weight of the decision seems overwhelming, and the fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice can feel paralyzing. I was faced with two very good options, they both seemed like they could have been right. Finishing my senior year, serving as a freshman Resident Assistant, loving, and digging into my community there, or going out and serving on the World Race. It had to come down to which choice was the most God-honoring. They were both the right choice, but which was the righteous choice, which one was right with God?

It wasn’t all that easy, I still have questions, and I still have days that I can’t imagine moving forward in this. But the Lord subtly, and often creatively reminds me He still has me, and He is so patient to still be walking alongside me. It’s been a crazy journey of learning how to trust without limits. Over the summer, I went on a short-term mission trip to Europe, and while I was there, something clicked. I felt so sure that I was made for this purpose—to love people deeply, serve others intentionally, and step outside my comfort zone to see where God is at work around the world.

The World Race is a massive leap of faith for me. It’s very very exciting, but also intimidating! I’ll be stepping away from the life I know, living out of a backpack for almost a year,

and learning to rely on God in ways I never have imagined before. But more than anything, I know He’s calling me to this, and I am anxiously anticipating my front-row seat to see how He moves—both in the lives of the people we meet and in my own heart.

Over the next year, I’ll be updating this blog to share stories, reflections, and all the ways I see God at work. Whether that’s in the joy of teaching kids at a VBS, the challenges of ministry in other cultural contexts, or the simple, everyday moments of living in this community.

For now, I’m still in the “preparing” season. I’m finishing up my job, fundraising, packing (or trying to figure out how to fit a year’s worth of life into a 65-liter backpack), and leaning on God as I get ready to leave.

If you’re reading this and you’ve already supported me through prayers, encouragement, or finances—thank you. You are such a big part of this story, and I’m so grateful for you.

I can’t wait to take you along on this journey, and I’d love for you to keep following along as I share how God is showing up all around the world.

Hooray!

Ella