Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Seminole High School, The Seminole Newspaper, its staff members, SCPS, or school administration.

SEMINOLE: How did you become acquainted with the World Race program?
CHEYANNE: My friend back in 2011 had applied to it/was accepted/departed this past July and told me all about it knowing I’d be interested.

S: So it was a venture that appealed to from the get go?
CH: Oh definitely. I already feel called to overseas mission as it is.

S: What is the World Race?
CH: The World Race is a mission trip where you respond to a calling to serve the entire world, or at least 11 countries of it, within the frame of 11 months. You leave your worldly comforts and securities at the door and embrace the unexpected. It’s an adventure, an outlet to meet, share, and grow with some incredible people, and a life-giving-soul-energizer all in one. The goal of the World Race is that the nations across the world will be able to hear, see, and experience the beauty and wonder and hope of the Gospel of Jesus, and through that He can work on our hearts and lives as well, for his Glory.

S: When does your journey begin?
CH: Well the journey begins now with getting prepared and trusting that funds come in, nut I depart for Guatemala, the first destination on my trip, sometime in September 2012—I’ll know the specific date in about a month or so.
[Update: Cheyanne’s official date of departure is Spetember 5]

S: As for the other countries you’ll be visiting?
CH: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

S: How are you preparing for your journey?
CH: Preparations include lots of praying and mainly just trying to raise support and collecting necessary gear like backpacks, a tent, and all that fun stuff.

S: I know you mentioned finances earlier, so how are those efforts coming along as well?
CH: Financial support is coming along slowly but surely. I’m currently in the process of writing and sending out support letters and brainstorming other fundraiser ideas. I actually have to raise quite a lot of support this month—$3,500 to reach my first checkpoint. Although there are days where I am discouraged by my current lack of funds, I’m definitely trusting that the Lord will provide through givers’ selfless and thoughtful donations (I have to raise a total of $15,000)

S: How has being an SHS alumna changed your life and decisions?
CH: Seminole High has made a huge impact on my life. Yes, I learned a lot academically. However, I came away from that school with so much more than just academics. Seminole High isn’t just a school institution; we’re a family deeply rooted in love and respect for each other. My peers, teammates, teachers, and coaches helped me along into becoming who I am today. They’ve all supported, encouraged, corrected, and pushed me in the exact areas of my life that I needed it. I’m so blessed to be a Seminole. Just this past month has showed me what a tight family unit us Seminoles are. The love and support we share for one another just floors me. Old and young, we’re all and forever will be Seminoles.

S: What community work/services have you done until now?
CH: This past year I was on youth staff at a local church, where I mentored and shared life with a group of awesome middle school girls. I’ve always been involved with youth group though ever since high school. Also, I was a part if CRU, otherwise known as Campus Crusade for Christ, not too long ago—it was such a blessed organization to be a part of. I love it. I was also a part of Fellowship of Christian athletes in college, and Student Venture at Seminole High when I was there.

S: What is your specific contribution to this program, and what does this program provide for you?
CH: I just really have a heart for the broken and hurting of this world. I’ve been there many a time and know exactly what it’s like to feel abandoned, heartbroken, down on yourself, helpless, abused, and totally lost. My heart bleeds of those who are need of love. Jesus filled my heart with his love, he first loved me and my gratefulness and the sheer joy He brings in my life explodes out onto other people I think. The World Race, as with any other missions organization, requires people who are willing to leave the known behind and take a step of faith. For those people, I’m willing to take that step.

S: How many people are involved?
CH: The World Race is a fairly large scale mission organization. As far as my personal race goes, I am on a squad of 63 people currently. Out of those 63 people, we all travel to the same countries, but are broken up into teams of six, seven, or eight. I’m on a team (Team Pursuit is our name) of seven including myself. I’ve known them and hung out with them for a week at training camp this past July and I already feel like we’re a giant family. Those people speak so much life in me, and I already feel like we’re a giant family. These people speak so much life in me, and exude so much of Christ’s love; it’s absolutely astounding!

S: What does the World Race mean to you?
CH: When I think about the World Race, “change” is the word that comes to my mind. At first I thought “out THERE I’ll start to see change—in my life, in others’ lives, etc.” Silly, silly Cheyanne. Since applying to the World Race, that’s all my life has been—CHANGE! All around me, and within me. It’s nuts. God’s nits. He’s been changing things in my life—constantly! Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it sucks real bad. But He knows what He’s doing even when I don’t! God’s already changing my heart to draw near and rest more in Him, and not in my own efforts regarding support raising. My living situation has been changing for this whole summer. Relationships are changing—people in my life are getting married, and moving away. All this change is happening NOW, and it makes me laugh because I know that there is so much more in the future out on the race—more than I can ever possibly imagine. I’m at a point now where I’m ready for it. I’m pumped and excited for all of this change. It’s going to be a crazy ride, but Jesus is totally worth all of it!

S: What advice do you have for anyone who wishes to follow the same path as you?
CH: In my opinion, the worst thing you can do in your life is not respond to God’s tugging on your heart. He calls us out of where we are ALL the time into His greater plan and purpose. He wants to use us! He created us for a purpose: His purpose, even though we totally don’t deserve it. His great love for us is never ending and He wants us to be a part of what He’s doing all over the world! If someone else wants to do overseas missions like the World Race,  I would say a few things: pray, pray, pray your stinkin’ face off. Talk to Jesus about it! He knows your heart and your desires better than you or anyone else in this world. Share your heart with Him, and let Him guide your steps for a clearer understanding as to whether you are called to go overseas. He’s really good at opening and closing doors, He’ll confirm it if that’s his will. Trust him! And DO NOT think that you have to be overseas to do mission work. Big mistake! We’re called to live every day as missionaries if we’re following Jesus—wherever you’re at! Get over what others think of you, and step out of your comfort zone: love on people who you normally wouldn’t show love to, dig deeper into relationships, preach the Gospel!!—don’t be ashamed, be vulnerable and share your heart and your life with others—wherever you are, NOW! And DO NOT settle with excuses for not doing it. This has been something huge that the Lord has been teaching me as I’m waiting to leave.