Dearest Family and Friends,
Many of you are probably wondering what's next for me on my journey of life. I've been asking myself that same questions for a good long while now. Since returning home from Africa in September and my trek across America in June, I've had a lot of time to ponder life and ask God "what now?"
Throughout my journey across the United States one thing kept sticking out to me that really twisted my point of view. For the longest time, all I was focused on and could think about was Africa, Africa, Africa. Not that it's a bad thing, and I definitely believe there's a reason God put it on my heart, but it's as if my point of view was narrow, and God wanted to show me that there is need EVERYWHERE. I encountered people right here in our own country that were living in 3rd world conditions. The Native American Reservations in Arizona for one blew my mind. And then I began to think about the world. Had I limited my options by thinking that God wanted me to spend the rest of my life in Africa? Or does he want me to expand my view on where I think he can use me in the future?
This is when I stumbled across the organization, Adventures in Missions (AIM), which is host to a project that goes by the name of The World Race. I know, you're probably getting that idea that I've decided to run around the world now, and that is NOT the case. The World Race is basically this—11 months of missions work in 11 different countries. They do all aspects of ministry from working with children, to teaching, to sports camps, to building projects, etc. Yes I know, it does sound a bit crazy, but I feel it would be a great opportunity for me to expand my view of the world and really become open to let God use me anywhere he wills. I have been officially accepted to participate in this adventure, departing in July of 2013. I will be able to have hands on ministry experiences in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya (which I'm super excited about).
The thing is that doing God's work is never free, and I will be responsible for raising $15,500 for all my travel expenses including plane tickets, visa's, food, shelter, etc. I know that seems like a lot, but I've broken it down, and if 50 people commit to donating $25 a months for a year, I would be fully funded. If you think about it, $25 a month is equivalent to what someone would spend at a nice restaurant for their family's meal. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation you can make it at www.athenapapadopoulos.theworldrace.org. You can even visit that website for blog updates to see exactly what I'm up to.
I can't wait to see what God does through this next chapter of my life, and I hope you will consider being a part of it as well. Please follow along with me with your prayers and encouragement.
God Bless,
Athena Papadopoulos
