Choosing to go on the World Race was the scariest and riskiest “Yes” I have ever said. As someone who likes the predictable parts of life best, that don’t require me to get out of my comfort zone, I was in for a major shake up. No part of the World Race catered to my comfort zone. Living in community was new. Not knowing plans for travel until last minute was new. Meeting new people every week was new. Leaving a family I was part of for 11 months was new. From beginning to end, the World Race challenged me.
I read hundreds, if not thousands, of blogs before I launched into my own 11 month journey. I wanted to be prepared and have a good idea of the possibilities that might come our way. The blogs didn’t prepare me for difficult teammates or getting robbed. They didn’t prepare me for receiving a calling or being verbally attacked by a pastor. Really, the blogs were just the stories of those who went before us.
After the race, I had plans for what I wanted to do and honestly those didn’t really change. I wanted to work for a year in behavioral health or ministry and I wanted to go to grad school. When I landed in Chicago, IL on June 1, 2014, I was ablaze with my experiences and also very tired. My plans quickly became reality as I started working at an adolescent inpatient unit and applied to graduate school. In May I will graduate with my Master’s in Social Work and I will continue on with the plans I’ve had for years.
What the World Race DID change was my fear of the unknown. It gave me the boldness and confidence to try new things. Although my overall plans have stayed the same, I have pursued new career paths, relationships, and opportunities. Instead of just being curious about the things outside of my comfort zone, I can choose to seek them out intentionally. The World Race taught me that outside of my comfort zone is where I will meet hurting people and have the opportunity to be the light. My comfort zone is already lit up by my Christian friends and myself, but there are people around all of us that need the light of Christ.
