And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
Romans 10:14One of my close friends who I don’t see from day to day reminded me today that I haven’t shared all the details of how this trip has come together logistically for me. I mean, I applied in July, got accepted, decided to go to Training Camp, went, and FINALLY after all that…I started to get serious about the World Race. I guess you might say I’m afraid to commit or a late adopter. So, for my friends, this whole trip was still a maybe until almost November and I haven’t shared how it happened. That’s the reason for this update.
After getting inspired, motivated, pumped up at World Race Training Camp I immediately came home and asked for my time off from work. I’ve worked at my company for almost 12 years now and felt reasonably comfortable asking for a year off, but really didn’t know what the answer would be. I’m not entirely sure that I want to come back to my job in 2011, but I know I need to have a job when I get back. So, until something else happens, this is the plan. I’m totally fortunate that my bosses not only admired my decision to do this, but then kindly agreed to let me leave for a year. Wow, what a blessing! I think I under appreciated the gesture because it was so quick and simple. However, in this economy when so many are looking for jobs, it is comforting to know that I can come back to a good job after the World Race.
What about fundraising? Well, I read the WR fundraising info packet (a couple pages at least), read the scriptures where Paul speaks about getting support from others, and came to realize that I should not ask for money if I had some….and I did have some. I had some stock and when it was all sold, the proceeds just covered the program costs plus a few bucks….a coincidence? I think not. (Thanks God for taking care of that detail.) I also did a fundraiser to raise money for gear and an orphan in Kenya I support. I’m humbled by the way my family and friends have supported me-financially, spiritually, and emotionally. People just keep giving me money-even people I don’t know. So, I’m using the donations to buy gear, get immunized, and get insurance for next year….all handy things to have on this adventure. 
