*disclaimer: no generic photo in this blog of my packing or packed bag*
It’s here. The time has come. In two days I begin an 11 month journey they call The World Race.
I am driving down to Atlanta to meet up with the 42 other members of my squad. Only two months ago these people were strangers from all walks of life, but now they will be my community for the next year.
I first heard about this mission trip two and a half years ago, signed up for it 11 months ago….and something that has been in my future for what feels like an eternity is finally becoming my present.
We are supposed to fly to Honduras next week, the first of the 11 country path we have marked across the globe. But truth be told there is no guarantee that is out first country. Nothing is truly guarantee over this next year because that’s what the WR is about…the unexpected. The unknown.
Those of you that know me well know that I’ve traveled a lot so far in my life. I’ve been abroad for semesters in school, and even an entire year post-college…so I’ve dealt with the goodbyes before. I’ve missed home before. I’ve been on the other side of the world from my loved ones before. Yet despite this, despite the peace in my heart when I hug my friends and family goodbye, there are no certainties with what can happen when I am gone. How people change. How situations change. How I change. So as I turn away from the final ‘see you later’ I walk with a few tears welled up in my eyes…into the unknown.
Although I haven’t even left people can’t help but ask what my plans are for after this mission trip. Are you going to get a job with your finance degree? Are you moving back to Kentucky? Are you going to keep traveling? Will you stay in missions? Will you ever get a ‘real job’? So many questions I simply don’t have answers for…and that’s perfectly ok. It’s ok to not know what your future holds, to take a leap of faith, to follow God’s plan for you…and step into the unknown.
Ever since I signed up for the World Race 11 months ago I’ve gotten advice from people, especially ones who have been on this journey before. One of the most common pieces of advice is NO EXPECTATIONS. Sometimes I felt like a small nail as AIM beat the ‘no expectations’ hammer into me over and over again.
So I’ve done that. I’ve dropped most expectations…about the countries I’ll be in, the ministries I’ll work with, the people I will impact. I am honestly ready to let the Lord use me in any possible way this coming year, whatever form that may be in.
However, there are still some expectations/desires I have for this journey…and I believe these kind of expectations are important to have.
- I want to be like CLAY so God can mold me more and more into his image.
- I want to be a LIGHT to all of the people around the world my path brings me across.
- I want to be a ROCK my teammates and squadmates can depend on in times of need.
- I expect to be stretched, challenged and pushed in many different ways of life…but to come out an improved Son of God on the other side.
As I start on this journey I want to say a huge THANK YOU for all of your support. Your financial support has helped me reach $13,000 of the just over $16,000 I need. I am confident the lord will provide the rest by my June deadline! Just as important though has been your prayers and constant encouragement. Please continue to pray for me and encourage me throughout my journey….because it is not simply my journey. This is our journey. Each of you have become a part of this mission trip.
The bags are packed. The goodbyes have been said. It’s time to begin this incredible opportunity to serve the Lord.
So I am stepping into the unknown. Not sure what these coming 11 months will bring, but don’t you worry…I’ll be blogging about all of it!
And even though I go into the unknown there is one thing I do know. The Lord my God is with me every step of the way. And that my friends, is all I need.
” Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
