Sharing about the World Race has given me the chance to answer a lot of questions. I love having those conversations one on one, but for those of you who are far away, I thought I’d answer some of the most frequently asked ones here.
What happens to your job? I’ll be leaving my job in order to pursue this. They are aware that I am leaving and supportive about my following my passion.
And you won’t get paid? No, while on the race I will not receive any type of salary or compensation. I believe that this is work that I need to do, and leaving the American normal of a steady paycheck is part of that.
What will you do when you come back? To some degree, that is unknowable. My intention is to either return to the field of social work in the United States (perhaps working towards my LCSW or continuing to work with children), or to pursue international social work or missions. I believe what happens over this next year will help determine that answer.
Are you scared? Most days, no. Other days, I’m terrified. As much as this journey will be an amazing one and I’m looking forward to being able to help with issues around the world, I realize that there will be times that my heart will break, that I will be frustrated about the wrong that is in this world. There will be times that I will be exhausted by knowing that there are so many struggles, and I can do so little, but I feel that I’m being led to do whatever it is I can do. I have been interested in many of the countries and issues that I will be going to and interacting with, and I believe this is where I meant to be over the next year, helping and loving people around the world to the extent that I can.
Why you? Why not me? I don’t know that there is anything particularly special about me, other than I feel led to do this and I’m willing to go. I have felt pulled to international work since my first trips to Dominica and Haiti. That desire has grown over the years and I have looked into it before, but either the opportunity wasn’t available or the timing didn’t feel right. This seems like the right opportunity and the right fit and I think God has spent the time in between growing my desire to go and working on my heart to prepare me.
Is this sustainable? This was one of my biggest hesitations when considering the World Race but after many conversations, I believe that the World Race is very sustainable. I had the opportunity to talk to many people that have either completed the race but are doing something non-race related now, or have completed the race and now work for Adventures in Missions in some capacity. Each person was excited to share about their experience with the race and talked about how Adventures in Missions (the overarching organization) and the World Race work with community members and long term missionaries to create long standing relationships and sustainable work. The World Race is able to send several teams to countries for months at a time, varying the frequency and timing based on each site’s need. Racers have to be flexible, it is possible that we will go to countries in a different order than the plan.
How will this be funded? Through my personal savings, the generosity of friends and family and those who hear about the Race and want to support through one time or monthly donations (see the support me button at the top of each blog if you’re interested in financially supporting me), and various fundraisers from now until launch. Active fundraisers include the 100 squares (see previous post), a Younique make up party- if you like makeup: check it out here- https://www.youniqueproducts.com/AutumnVisser/party/1349848/view , and a pie party (where we all bring pie and donations and then spend some time in community and sharing the delicious pie).
Are you worried about not getting fully funded? Yes, some days. Other days I am able to trust that if this is really where God wants me the funding will come. Additionally, I have an amazing group of people who are offering emotional, prayer and financial support; I’m grateful for them and think that their support will get us there.
Is it safe? World Race works to ensure the safety of racers to the extent that they are able to. There is some risk inherent in any journey, but World Race works diligently to keep racers as safe as possible.
I’m sure there are other questions I’m forgetting, and if you have them, feel free to comment below! Thanks for following along!
