Anyone who knows me knows that I like things planned. I like schedules, I like deadlines, I like structure.
Anyone who knows me also knows that I like things clean. I don’t camp because, well, that involves dirt. I don’t do this whole “outdoors” thing because…there are bugs out there. And don’t get me started on the lack of indoor plumbing.
So why would I, Betsy Swann, abandon a nice, structured life of cleanliness to backpack through Latin America for 11 months? What could have possessed me to head straight-on into an experience full of camping, mosquito bites, and outhouses? Or even worse, a year of flexibility and changing plans?
The story begins more than a year ago, in April 2013. I was studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I had gone to immerse myself in the Spanish language I love so much.
In front of the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires
I was up late one night, trying to figure out what I was going to do after graduation (I like things planned, remember?). I was researching several travel programs, but none of them felt right. One in particular described how I could spend an entire year traveling alone, and that I needed to prepare myself for the loneliness I would inevitably face on their program. That seemed terrible. I knew I wanted a strong support system in my post-graduation adventure, whatever that may be.
Then I heard it. A voice in my head, saying, “The World Race.”
I had heard of this missions program in a brief, off-hand conversation three years before, but I hadn’t thought of it since. I had absolutely no reason to remember it. In fact, there was an actual, physical sensation in my brain as these words surfaced, as if a vacuum had intentionally pulled this memory to the front of my mind.
I typed “The World Race” into Google, and as I became more acquainted with the program’s website, one word struck me over and over again: community. It was very clear that this 11-month missionary experience would involve intense, messy, life-on-life community with other Christians. Perfect.
I navigated my way to the “Routes” tab and began reading through the options, but I couldn’t help but think “Not enough Spanish-speaking countries, not enough Spanish-speaking countries” with every option. Until…
The Spanish Route. 11 months traveling through Latin America, sharing the Word of God with the people I love in the language I love.
I fell to my knees. I was on the floor in my room in Buenos Aires, sobbing and crying out to God. I knew that this was my calling. All of my years of studying Spanish had led to this purpose. This was what I was meant to do.
Today, more than a year later, I have graduated from college and am preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. Though backpacking and “roughing it” for 11 months might seem like the exact opposite of what I’d like to do, in fact, I couldn’t think of anything better. I am following the voice of God into the unknown, where I will be stretched by new challenges and forced to rely on Him whole-heartedly.
And I will be using my knowledge of Spanish to share the Gospel.
If you would like to join me in this ministry, I ask that you pray for my months of preparation and for my time on the Race itself. Also, please prayerfully consider supporting me financially, and, if you feel so led, please follow the “Support Me” link on the left of this page.
I am still in the beginning stages of this spiritual journey, but one thing I have learned: When God calls, it is often in unexpected circumstances, leading in unanticipated directions.
Where will He call you?
