Thank you to everyone that is supported me and helped me get this far!!

Hello, dear friends! It’s Cole Hetzel here, and I find myself stepping into a new adventure—one that calls for a little vulnerability and sharing. As I embark on this mission trip with Adventures in Missions, I felt it was essential to connect with you all through these vlogs. My heart is full as I prepare to journey into the unknown, and I want to invite you to walk alongside me in prayer and support.

For those who may not know me yet, I recently graduated high school, and in just a couple of weeks—on the 28th—I’ll be heading to Georgia to begin a transformative program called the World Race. This is not just any mission trip; it’s a nine-month expedition where young adults, fresh out of high school and those in their 30s, gather to deepen their faith and serve others. God has nudged my heart towards this path, and I believe there’s no better time to step out in faith than now.

I’ll be traveling to six incredible countries: Jamaica, Italy, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. My mission is to spread God’s love and share the gospel in ways that are yet to be revealed to me. It’s both thrilling and a bit daunting, as we’ll be living simply—often out of a backpack, sleeping under the stars in tents, and immersing ourselves in each community we encounter. Just behind me, you can catch a glimpse of my gear—a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad—all reminders of the adventures that await.

As I embark on this faith journey, I want to express my gratitude for the overwhelming support I've received from many of you. Your prayers and encouragement mean the world to me. I’m committed to capturing snippets of my experiences through these vlogs—though they may be brief, I hope they’ll convey the essence of my journey each week. For instance, if I find myself in Nepal for three weeks, you can expect a little update for each week, sharing what God is doing and how He is working in my heart.

As I reflect on this mission trip, I’m filled with hope. I know that every encounter with God during this journey will contribute to my spiritual growth, and I’m eager to see how God will use me to touch the lives of others. I want to thank you all for being part of this incredible chapter in my life. Your interest and support inspire me to step boldly into what God has in store.

So, this is just the beginning! I’m excited to share this adventure with you and to bring you along as I explore new places and serve in meaningful ways. May God bless you all, and thank you for being such a vital part of my journey. Let’s do this together!