About Me and Why I Chose Gap Year!

Hi, My name is Analise Thibodeaux, and I have decided to answer God’s calling to go out and serve with the World Race Gap Year in September 2022. On my nine-month journey, I will serve in Guatemala, South Africa, Thailand, and Cambodia. In these countries I will help with children’s ministry, teaching children how to speak English and about God’s word, evangelism, community outreach, and much more! I grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, but am currently living in Katy, Texas and will start my senior year this Fall! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to church, being outdoors, and painting.

When I first heard about the World Race, I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever heard of, but never did I think that eleven months later I would apply to start this crazy journey. I never imagined I could do something like this because I thought of two things: One, only certain people had the courage and willingness to spend nine months away from family and friends, living only with what you can fit in your suitcase. Two, I thought my parents had the expectation that I would go straight to college after I graduated. However, a couple months after hearing about Gap Year, I started getting multiple ads and hearing people mention it at least once a week. I kept ignoring the signs and continued looking at college websites instead of the World Race page. Finally, one night at around one o’clock in the morning, I finally gave in and clicked on one of the World Race Gap Year ads that linked to their website. As I started looking deeper into the program and reading other racers’ inspiring stories, I got an overwhelming feeling and cried, knowing God was calling me to go and make disciples of all nations like Jesus commands us as believers to do in Matthew 28:19-20. On June 24th, 2021, I got the call that I had been accepted into World Race Gap Year! I am so excited to see what God will do with me and how He will use me to glorify Him and serve others!