I read the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken”, for American Lit class in high school. I was only sixteen, but the analogy of choosing which path to take resonated with me. It seems like life is full of paths, and most of life is made up of which path to follow. Some paths are straightforward; but other paths are winding. I remember zoning out while the teacher was trying to explain all the ins and outs of Robert Frost’s brilliance. I remembered sometime when I was young, I went to the dentist’s office with my mom. The dentist, attempting to be relatable, asked me, “What are you gonna be when you grow up, young lady?” “I’m gonna be a missionary!” I replied. I was so serious and so emphatic that everyone chuckled. Well, here I was nearing the end of high school and the dream hadn’t changed. In fact, later that summer I would be sitting in a youth camp service, growing with passion as I heard of the need for workers in the field. College was a time to act on the call, becoming involved in missions trips, service opportunities, and gaining education that would equip me for being a valuable asset in a developing country. However, college ended, and it seemed like I was right back at the beginning again, looking at two roads diverging in the woods and wondering which to take. As it turns out, the road not taken is often an opportunity for a traveler to beat out his own path. A chance to grab a machete and beat down the overlying branches, or put some rocks down to point other travelers in the best direction. It’s in this exploration that I have stumbled upon the World Race. My friends and family have been well aware of my search to find ministry in developing countries, and several of them suggested that I look into this Adventures in Missions opportunity. After much prayer and sought-after counsel, I am excited to blaze down this trail. I hope to not go it alone, though. Lonely travelers don’t often make it very far. Nope. I hope to take each and every one of you with me. Some of you love to travel. Seeing my pictures will thrill your heart and make you feel like you’re standing right beside me. Others are rather anxious about my ventures and will feel better knowing that if I’m in a picture, well at least I’m still alive! No matter who you are, I invite you to travel down this path with me. Laugh with me; cry with me; enter into community with me. Let’s take the road less traveled together, because that will make all the difference.
