Seventeen-year-old Blair Barger has never traveled outside of the United States. But, this week she will pack her bags and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Barger has been chosen as one of only 20 young adults across the country to participate in the Samaritan's Purse Youth (SPY) team. Through the SPY team, Barger will travel to Mongolia and complete several projects, including four Operation Christmas Child's box distributions.

For Barger, the distributions hold a special place in her heart.

"In 2008, my sister Emily passed away from cancer," reflected Barger, whose family is originally from Monroe County.  

See full story in the Wednesday, July 18, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.