How my World Race journey started.
Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a rut? Stuck in the comfortable routine that Canadians have created? With the feeling like there’s so much more you could be doing to further Gods Kingdom? This is a feeling I was struggling with when I decided my search for mission trip opportunities. Cruising through google I came across this thing called The World Race. After watching the promo video I had this overwhelming feeling come over me. I’m pretty sure it was God saying “this is for you.” Let’s just say, at that point I didn’t have any real plans for my future and it felt like God dropped this adventure right in my lap. I emailed the organization to see if they even accepted Canadian participants and quickly found out that they did. I decided to start seriously thinking and praying about this opportunity God had presented to me. Throughout this past summer I was able to connect with a representative a few times to answer some of my big questions. They have been nothing but encouraging this whole time. I’m thankful to have such a great support team behind me in this adventure. The encouragement from my family and friends means the world to me. When I started telling people my thoughts on this adventure, I had responses from “woah, that’s a really long time to be away” to “if I could think of anyone to do this, it would be you.” As I prayerfully prepared for the application process I had an unexplainable sense of peace through the whole thing. I was praying that if this was what God wanted me to do then He would open the door. But I was also praying that if it was something He didn’t want me to do, that He would close it and help me figure out what I was supposed to do. Turns out God is calling me out to spread His love to the nations with The World Race. After getting accepted, it all became so real. This is happening! And it’s scary! But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13) And I know that He will be with me every step of the way. This year we will be living in a tent, having all our belongings in a single backpack, showers and toilets will become luxuries and we’ll be making friends with giant bugs and rats. At first this was all very overwhelming. Actually it sounds crazy, but when you think about the real reason why I want to do this, it all makes sense. When I think about all that God has done for me by sending His Son to die for me and all my sins, giving up a year of my life seems like the least I could do. Getting the chance to go out and share how much God loves each and every person I meet is going to be a life changing experience. I know there will be struggles and hard times, but being pushed out of your comfort zone is where you grow the most. Thinking about leaving all my family and friends for a year is something that I am going to really struggle with but I know God is already preparing me to be able to handle it. Every moment I spend with my loved ones now I am able to cherish because I can use these memories to reflect on when I’m away. One thing I was told from a World Race staff was “the things you see God do in other people’s lives outweigh the scariness of the trip.” I’m excited to see God do great things this next year and I pray that He would continue to prepare me for this adventure. As I prepare for this trip there some ways you could help as well!
1) Prayer – I ask that you would support me through prayer. I may be thousands of miles away, but the power of prayer is amazing.
2) Financial – This trip will be fully fundraised. I plan on having all $16,257 raised before I leave in September 2015 and I would appreciate every little amount given.
3) Ideas – As I work hard to raise all my funds, I value creative ideas to help me reach my goal.
4) Fellowship – I will have the opportunity to blog regularly to keep you updated on my adventures. I know the support that I get by keeping in contact with family and friends will be truly appreciated.
