For almost a year I have been praying over the World Race, an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world through an organization, Adventures in Missions. God put a fire in my heart to join the race after I learned that a college acquaintance was preparing for a September 2012 route, but He asked me to wait and be patient. In the meantime, He led me to take Spanish lessons for the first time [at age 27], He asked me to take part in a 13-week Following Jesus Training to prepare me for discipleship, and He even convinced me to commit to a year-long AmeriCorps service term that ends this year at the end of September, making it impossible for me to apply for any route until 2014.
Through the majority of the year, I didn’t understand how these activities fit together. I felt like a puzzle that was not connecting correctly because each activity surrounded a completely different part of my life. So I waited as God instructed and let him work on the present. Last month, after months of patience, God said it was ok to check the World Race website again. The January 2014 routes had been posted and the moment I saw the Spanish Route I physically felt weightless. I read through the entire description of the route, the countries and every comment posted. God immediately filled my body with warmth, energy and anticipation. It was indescribable, undeniable and blatantly clear. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
What surprised me the most was my willingness to just say “ok” without feeling scared or overwhelmed first. I’ve felt that way a few times since, but God keeps reminding me that I am His daughter, who He loves dearly and has wonderful plans for. So for the first time in my life I am leaving my comfort zone, saying goodbye to my family/friends/church to carry the cross like Jesus did. It gives me butterflies just thinking about it. How could I be so lucky to be able to live humbly, worship daily and pray continually for the lives of so many? I’m looking forward to the emotional, mental and spiritual proximity I will be to God and connecting with the people He will bring into my life on this journey.
