Hello Blog World! 

Nice to see you again! It's been a while since my last blog. About 7 months ago, to be exact! My feet landed on US soil on November 21, and honestly my life has seemed to be a whirlwind since. I have enjoyed spending time with my family and friends and being close to home! 

Most of you followed my journey on the World Race and to be honest, those 11 months exceeded all of my expectations. My time on the World Race grew me, stretched me and allowed me to walk deeper into the life the Father has for me and more into who I was created to be. If you are interested in reading about my World Race experience, you can read all my old blogs at jodiowens.theworldrace.org. Coming home, I knew that I wanted to look into and pursue a job that allowed me to disciple and be discipled. I also knew I wanted to somehow continue to go out into the nations! 

Ok, now I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm writing this new blog! Well, I am so happy and excited to announce that I have accepted a job at Adventures in Missions as a Gap Year Mentor. Gap Year is an entity of the World Race program with Adventures in Missions. It is for participants between the ages of 18-20 years old and is a 9 month program, where they go to 3 different continents. Essentially my job will be to lead a leadership team that teaches, counsels, encourages and oversees the Gap Year participants throughout their time on the field. I will also handle administrative tasks and communication with my squad on the field. I will work mostly in the office here at Adventures in Missions, and will have the opportunity to go out to the field (overseas) 3 different times to be with my squad! I am so excited!!! 

For those that know me, I have worked with high school/college aged students for 5-6 years prior to going on the World Race. I am passionate about leading this generation and pouring myself out in order to serve them and disciple them. I read a quote once that said "Be who you needed when you were younger", and quite honestly that is what I strive to do. I know that the Lord created me as someone who thrives on making and building relationships and maintaining them. I love to walk through life with others, be a friend and lead. I'm thrilled that I'll be working at a job again where this is what I get the opportunity to do each and every day. 

Isn't it cool how the Lord creates us and knows us enough to put us into positions that we feel so called to?! 

As part of accepting this job, it is my responsibility to form a team of ministry partners and raise $1,000 per month! I am needing monthly supporters (or one time donations) who want to come alongside me and become more involved with what I am doing with Adventures in Missions! If this is something you feel interested in doing, please click the donate button! I am so grateful for any amount. 

This blog was a little wordy, so I appreciate you reading this far! haha! If you have any questions or want more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to speak to you more in depth! If you're interested in keeping up to date with my adventures, feel free to subscribe to this blog! I will keep it updated with stories and opportunities on and off the field.