“So is anyone else thinking about jumping over to the 5th route?”
I opened my Facebook account to find this question waiting for me on our group page. My thoughts came quickly:
1. No.
2. There’s a 5th route?
3. What??
So I investigated. An email had gone out asking for volunteers to switch routes because there are SO MANY people signed up for the January 2014 race (praise!). Since I already knew I wasn’t switching, I opened the email with just idle curiosity. I slowly read through the countries.
Honduras
Guatemala
El Salvador
Albania
Bulgaria
Malawi
Zambia
Mozambique
Thailand
Cambodia
Malaysia
With each name, my heart raced a bit faster. I could not remember ever hearing about Albania. If you had asked me last week what I knew about Bulgaria, I would have told you that world-famous seeker played for the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team (I have no shame about my Harry Potter obsession).
Now I know something else – I will be traveling to Bulgaria. This was my route. This new squad will be my family. I cannot explain it. Though I made the decision to switch very quickly, I prayed all night and throughout the next day while I awaited the reply from my mobilizer. “God, if this is not where you would have me, keep me on A-Squad, but if there is work you want me to do in these new countries, please SEND ME.” I have an absolute peace and overwhelming excitement. I am so sad to “leave” my A-Squad family, but God is already showing me that my new squad members are going to be great, spiritual, supportive companions. I am thrilled about the opportunity to travel to 4 continents, to experience many different types of ministry, and to reach a whole new set of countries. That’s 11 more countries over the next year that will know the love of God!
So here is the skinny on my NEW World Race Route:
What is NOT changing:
1. My Training Camp Dates: I still leave on Friday for Atlanta! Training Camp will be October 12-19th. AHHHH!
2. The time I am gone: I will still be gone January – November of 2014.
3. My mission! We are still going to share the love of God with all of His people.
4. My total fundraising goal: I still need to raise $16,285 (check the status bar at the top of the page for progress.
What IS changing:
1. My countries.I will be traveling through Central America, southeastern Europe, Southern Africa, and Southern Asia.
2. Some of my squadmates: Some A-Squaders also made this change, and I am so glad to be bringing a piece of that family into my new C-Squad family.
3. My Squad Color: it is now Purple! (Perfect, right?)
4. My packing: I now have to pack warm clothes…ugh.
Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support! I could not go anywhere, on any route without the provision of God and the support of my family and friends.
