As I look ahead to the coming year, my heart is overflowing with excitement and anticipation. A new chapter is beginning in my life, one that I believe God has been preparing me for over many years and I would love to take a moment to share that story with you.
In just one week, I will be graduating from Mount Vernon High School. I have spent a lot of time this year reflecting on what comes next. I have explored different paths and prayed through possibilities. After months of prayer, I have come to a clear decision: I believe God is calling me into a year of missions, a year that will be centered on deepening my faith, serving others, and following His purpose wholeheartedly.
For as long as I can remember, I have sensed a calling toward adventure and missions. Even as a child I felt this calling to bring the love of Jesus to others across the world. As I have grown older, that desire has only deepened. I have felt this calling in quiet moments during worship, in times of reading Scripture, and in conversations with God. There has been countless times when praying and asking God what I am supposed to do after graduating that I will open my bible and the first thing I see a verse about going and serving God.
I am so excited to announce that I will be joining The World Race: Gap Year, a nine month mission journey that will take me to four countries: Ethiopia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Guatemala, from August 2025 to May 2026. This program is designed not only to bring the hope and love of Jesus to people around the world, but also to challenge and grow those who participate. I will be traveling with a team of other young adults, serving in local communities, partnering with churches and ministries, and living in an intentional Christ centered community.
During this journey, my deepest hope is to be a living reflection of Jesus, to be His hands and feet in each place I go. I want to meet people where they are, listen to their stories, love them unconditionally, and share the hope I have found in Christ. At the same time, I know this year will be a season of transformation for me personally. I expect to be stretched, humbled, and strengthened as I learn to rely on God in new and deeper ways far beyond the comfort and familiarity of home.
This is not just about traveling or seeing new places. It is about saying yes to the call God has placed on my life and stepping into the unknown with courage, faith, and trust. I believe this experience will be foundational in shaping who I become and how I serve God in the years to come.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I am so excited to see what God will do in and through this next season.
With love,
Gabrey Smith
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