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This past spring I decided that I wanted to go on the World Race! I had discovered the program when I was a sophomore in high school and had always been interested in the idea of taking a gap year after I graduated to have a life changing experience! Throughout high school I always thought, “there must be more to this life-something bigger that I’m called too” and I felt like going on a trip across the world to spread the love of Jesus would answer this longing I had. By the time senior year came around, all my classmates/friends began applying to college and just about everyone I knew asked me where I want to go to school/what I want to do with my life. My answer to this question was always- “I have no idea.” Senior year was full of so much anxiety and uncertainty about what I was going to do with my life. Although I still had the gap year idea in my mind, I decided to apply to college, without really knowing if I would end up going right after high school or not. By the time spring came around I had heard back from all the colleges I applied too and was beginning to feel the pressure to make a decision about what I’d be doing next year. During those months I prayed a lot about what my next steps should be and while I think I felt certain about which college I wanted to attend, I still didn’t feel 100% at peace about going to college right away. Despite this uncertainty, I ended up saying yes to college. About two weeks after I said yes, I had a change of heart when I was at school one day. I was sitting in English class when, a couple seats behind me, I heard a girl talking about how her friend was doing the World Race. All of a sudden it all became so real to me and I knew in that moment I needed to do the World Race and postpone college a year. I think just knowing that another person my age, who lives in the same city as me, was taking a gap to spread God’s love made it seem so attainable. At first I was so afraid to say yes to this, especially since everyone already thought I was going to college (including myself) and it was a total curveball. However, despite all the fear, I decided to trust God and take the next steps. I told my parents about my change of heart and was overwhelmed by their love and support for me taking a gap year. I then applied for the World Race and after lots of prayer and contemplation, I decided to go on the three month trip to Guatemala, Panama, and Nicaragua! I truly feel that God has called me to do this and I am so beyond grateful for what he has done to get me to this point! It was really scary for me to decide to go on the World Race, however, I am so glad God lifted me above that fear and brought me to the point I’m at now! I am so excited to embark on this journey and see how God’s plan for my life unfolds!

13 responses to “Why I’m Going on the World Race”

  1. Dailey, We are so proud of you! CONGRATS on getting into UNC and being able to take a gap year and still being able to go in Fall 2022. It took a lot of soul searching and realizing what is important in your spiritual and all around well being. You have studied so hard and achieved Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. It is very welcoming to take a break from studying and give some of your talent to helping other people. We are SO PROUD OF YOU and it takes a very special, courageous person to do what you are going to do visiting 3 different countries. You will definitely be changing people’s lives and it will certainly change yours too. We love you and support you 100%! We will be making a donation. Love you! Nana & Grandpa

  2. Precious Dailey,
    We are so happy for you to have this upcoming experience. Being an example of God’s love and kindness is a rewarding one. Your gentle and generous spirit along with your sweet smile will be a living expression of brotherly love.

    As God tells those who are given much, he expects that to be shared. You are a young adult and already realize this.

    Let your light shine. Giving is Living. Love You,

    Joan & Jeff

  3. Hi Dailey,
    We are so proud of you. What a generous and loving young woman you are going to South America helping those in need. You will have an experience you will remember for the rest of your life! Much love, Linda and Paul

  4. Dailey,
    We couldn’t be more proud of the person you have become. We are amazed by the wisdom behind your decisions. Your future will be limitless. We look forward to hearing all about your journey!
    Love,
    Aunt Barbara & Uncle Kenneth

  5. CONGRATULATIONS, DAILEY!! We wish you an adventure you’ll never forget! Our best wishes to you along with safe travels and much happiness!
    Meredith and Jim
    Your Nana and Grandpa’s neighbors

  6. Hi Dailey,
    I am a good friend of your Grandma Lynn. I feel privileged to be a part of your spiritual journey & excited for you to spread Gods word in the places you visit.
    Whatever God asks us to do, he gives us the ability to do it.
    Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do & your plans will succeed.”
    Wishing you many blessings & “Ah Ha” moments on your spiritual journey!
    Love,
    Betty Z

  7. Dailey(beautiful name),
    I don’t know you but I belong to Saturday morning Bible class that shared your information. You are an amazing young lady. May the protection blessings and favors of God be with you on this generous and faith filled journey. Amen! Maureen Nwoye

  8. Dear Dailey….you were walking along a path to your future and came to the crossroad… you had a decision-you turned to prayer-your faith and it led to the path you were meant to take. Stay in YOUR path and do good for our world….. Sending you our love
    Grandmommy & Granddaddy

  9. Dear Dailey,
    We are so proud of you as you take on this challenge of going to 3 different countries. This is going to be such a great experience for you. You are such a role model! We are praying for you & know what an impact you will make on so many people’s lives! We love you! XO, Brittany, Johnny, Ryder & Hannah

  10. Dailey,

    Being people who’ve also taken gap years during college for missionary work, we know the strong calling you feel in needing to go out into the world to bring God’s love to others. We’re so incredibly excited for you and all this new experience will bring. We will be praying for you and the work you will be doing. And if you ever want to talk with others who’ve done similar to what you’re about to embark on, don’t hesitate to let us know. 🙂

    Cousins Emily and Alex

  11. Lynn and Tony shared your journey with me . Amazing isn’t it to hear God calling and walking by faith ? I went to Guatemala too on a call . Blessings on your adventure ! Look forward to hearing along the way . Ryder and Hannah’s Grandma Ann

  12. So amazing to read how the Lord has worked in your life, especially over this past year. I am so excited to read your blog and then hear all about this experience once you are back. We will be praying for you every day while you are away – I have no doubt that this is going to be a life changing event for you.

  13. Dailey,

    Congratulations!! We are so proud of you. Having been called to continue God’s work is amazing. We wish you the best in your journey to carry God’s word to these countries. God works in mysterious ways. We will be praying for you as you follow this path.

    Aunt Barbara and Uncle Steve