I was accepted into the World Race Gap Year program to serve in Italy, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia on September 22, 2025, and somehow it's already June 24, 2026. In just 64 days God is going to radically change my life.

If senior year taught me anything, it's that we should always find joy in the midst of darkness because our God will always shine brighter. It wasn't until I finally gave God control that he could change my heart. It took me a long time to finally let go, but God was patient. Once he had all of my heart, He got to work!

In the months that followed, it felt like everything I desired was being ripped away. I was SO confused, and I couldn't understand why I felt so numb. For the first time, I couldn't work towards fixing my own problems. I just had to sit, wait, and trust God. It was only then that I realized that God is everything I could ever need. When I had nothing, I had God, and He brought me joy. He brought me peace.

One verse that has become especially meaningful to me over the past year is Romans 5:3: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance."

I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. Change is rarely comfortable, but growth rarely happens without it. Over the past year, God has stretched me, refined me, and grown me in countless ways, and I am so excited to see what He has in store for this next chapter.

People often ask what I am most excited about for the coming year. While I look forward to the beautiful landscapes, the laughter-filled late nights, and the incredible people I'll meet along the way, those aren't what excite me most.

What excites me most are the moments when I feel weak, when I have questions, when I doubt, and when I reach the end of my own strength. Because in those moments of exhaustion, God will hold me in his arms as he reminds me of His unfailing love. He won't lighten my load, but He will stand by my side as He broadens my shoulders. He will lift my head when I am discouraged, remind me that He has never left my side, and trade my fear for a peace that only He can provide. He will fill my heart with gratitude when I lose sight of His blessings and gently encourage me to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

I know He will use this year to teach me how to be a better daughter, sister, friend, and leader. But more than anything, I know He will teach me how to rely on Him completely. He will teach me what it means to walk in true peace, deep joy, and unwavering trust. To me, that is far more valuable than anything I could ever ask for.

I am VERY excited!!

Love, Gianna Catanzano