This is to all the people who are thinking about going on the World Race journey. I'm only a few days into my second month on the WR so I'm no expert on all things WR…if there is such a thing, lol. However I do feel like I have a little bit of insight at this point from what I've experienced.
I can still remember when I was accepted like it was yesterday. It may be a little easier for me to remember because I was accepted on my 25th birthday. Ya, I thought it was a pretty cool gift too! At that point, and all the way up to Launch I suppose, I had these “romantic” ideas about the WR in my head. My main reason for going was most definitely to share the gospel of Christ with 11 different nations. However, I allowed “other” reasons to fill my head as to why I was going too. I thought it would be easier to read the Bible more. It hasn't, and there are just as many distractions here as in the States. Home and loved ones being a BIG one. I thought lust and temptation wouldn't be an issue. It has, and it seems to be even more prevalent here than at home. I mean it's Europe and they keep the Playboy magazines right next to Men's Health on every street corner. I could go on and on.
Simply put, I thought the WR would make me a “SUPER” Christian! It hasn't. Just like home I've had my good days and bad. My days of victory and my days of defeat. I just wanted to let all future racers know that coming on the WR won't change you overnight, but it will change you. All your struggles at home will only be amplified on the field because of the intense community we live in and that's a good thing. It will allow you to see things about yourself you may be blind to, or help you change things that you know you need to. Just be real with yourself! Take a honest look inside. Don't expect all your struggles to go away the moment you step on the plane to leave 11 months. Be prepared to fight for who God has called you to be. It won't always be easy, but at the end of our 11 months I have the feeling it will be totally worth it.
Blessings,
Chandler Keenan
