Okay, so many have asked me, "Why the world race and how did you find out about it?" It's an interesting and random story. Which by the way, most of my stories are random and interesting, or at least I think so. So there I was, a junior in college, sitting at my computer trying to find overalls. Overalls? you might ask. Yes, overalls- I am a huge geek. I was a marching band geek all four years of high school and 1 year in college, but that's not the geekyness I am referring to here. I was looking for overalls to wear for a gaming/anime convention much like those of "Dragon con" or "Comic con" ; my boyfriend was going as Mario and I was going as Luigi, and I needed overalls.

Anyway, so I was scrolling through different websites of overalls, when an ad caught my attention! You guessed it, The World Race had an ad on one of the overall clothing sites I was browsing. Weird huh? I was intrigued by the name. I saw World Race, and thought, hmmm sounds like the show "Amazing Race," which is one of my favorite shows. I clicked on the ad, not thinking what would happen next.

I found a webpage describing something I have always dreamed of doing. I started reading the entirety of the website, I watched the videos, and read the blogs. I felt a strong longing, a pulling sensation. I knew that this, this mission trip was something I wanted to do. In tears (happy tears), I fumbled with my phone and dialed my house number. Mom answered, and I began telling her all about the World Race, and how I felt God was calling me to be a part of it. On the other line, I could hear the reservedness in her voice. She was excited that I found something like that of the world race, but  we both knew that I was still in school, and I needed to finish my degree. I cried, and begged her to let me sign up for it, but she was right. I had to finish school.

A couple years went by, and I struggled with crazy professors and life. Soon, I realized that I needed time off from school. I withdrew from the semester trying to figure out what to do with my life. My mom and sister encouraged me to pursue my dream, my calling to be a missionary again.

I googled "The World Race." Aha! Found it. I started looking over the webpage again, but this time I prayed that if it was meant for me that God would show me. I applied. I waited and trusted in Him. July 26th I received the phone call that gave me hope! I was accepted!! I could barely contain my happiness! I jumped up and down, I squeaked, and I cried. I feel so blessed!! I cannot wait for God to use me,  work through me, and make me more like him!

*Incase you're wondering... whatever came of the overalls?? Well I spent 3-4 hours on the World Race website, and decided to make do with clothes I already had. The costumes turned out to be a success, and my life is looking up every day:).

If it hadn't been for the overall website, I never would have seen the ad that helped me pursue something so incredible. The moral of this story is God works in mysterious ways... Thanks for reading! God Bless!

Matt as Mario & Me as Luigi