To fundraise for her mission trip Ball is selling threads of hope bracelets. The cards some of the bracelets come on were made by Balls friend, Olivia Ruckriegel. Photo by Sophie Ball.
While other seniors were applying for colleges, Sophie Ball was applying for a nine month mission trip around the world through The World Race. The World Race is a Christian based organization that connects college age students with mission trips around the world. “I had it in the back of my mind since my sophomore year of high school,” said Ball, “but I officially decided this would be the path for me after an experience I had working at a YoungLife camp over the summer.” On the trip, Ball will be traveling to eSwatini, India, Nepal, and Guatemala to participate in different service activities. In eSwatini Ball will be working with children in schools and churches; in India educating women, and in Guatemala there will be different opportunities.
During her nine month trip, Ball will not be able to come home unless there are severe circumstances. “My parents are a little bit nervous about me being gone. But my parents understand that this is what I want. My mom was a foreign exchange student in high school so she understand the need to explore,” said Ball.
While traveling, Ball will be uploading her blog as a way to keep family, friends, and donors updated on her life. Her blog can be found at www.sophieball.theworldrace.org.
To fundraise for the trip, Ball has been selling bracelets called Threads of Hope for $2, $4, and $6. Ball is also asking for people to partner with her financially to fund her trip, or you can visit her blog and click the donate link to make a tax deductible donation.
Although Ball is taking a gap year, she can still get college credit through The World Race program. “I won’t even be that far behind,” said Ball. After the end of her mission trip Ball will study special education at an undecided university.
Featured image provided by Meghan Premuda photography.
