A few days ago I was talking to a man about the World Race. After some time he said, “I have a question for you. You can tell me it’s none of my business, but I have a question.” Then he boldly exclaimed, “Why in the world would you want to go to all these countries?” As I tried to explain, more and more questions arose. Soon, he gave up trying to understand and simply turned to my dad saying, “What in the world is wrong with your daughter?”
When he asked this question I wasn’t surprised. I’ve become accustomed to weird looks/responses when I’ve told people about the World Race. The race is honestly kind of a crazy concept, and since I’m going, I’ve decided that probably makes me a little crazy too. So I totally understand why he and so many others have a hard time wrapping their mind around why I want to give up my comfortable life here at home to live out of a backpack for a year.
I told this story not because this man crossed a line or hurt my feelings. He did not. I enjoy talking to people about the race and trying my best to explain the details of this incredible opportunity. This man was simply curious, as I am sure many of you are, so I have decided to compile a list of the questions I have gotten most frequently about the race and, hopefully, clear up some details about the Race.
What is the World Race?
“The World Race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve ‘the least of these’ while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom.”
Who is going?
I will be traveling with a group of about 50-60 other young adults. This is my “squad” and we will travel to each country together.
Once we arrive in each country we will break up into “teams” of about 6 or 7. Each team will travel to a different part of the country and partner with local organizations or missionaries for the month.
While I don’t really know anyone on my squad so far, we are becoming friends on social media and I cannot wait to meet them!
When are you leaving?
I will be leaving in January 2016. This is called “launch” and is the beginning of this 11 month journey. I will meet up with the rest of my squad in a certain location for a few days before we head to our first country. From there, each month we will travel from country to country before we head back to the states in November 2016.
However, before the squad leaves in January 2016, we must attend a 10-day training camp in Georgia this October. Training camp will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other, learn more about life on the Race, and prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for this journey God has laid out for us.
Where are you going?
The 11 countries my squad and I will be traveling to is called “Route 3” they are as follows:
January: Costa Rica
February: Nicaragua
March: Honduras
April: Bolivia
May: Chile
June: Serbia
July: Kosovo
August: Romania
September: Ethiopia
October: Rwanda
November: Uganda
Keep in mind this route is subject to change at any time depending on conditions in each country.
What will you be doing in each country?
Honestly, we don’t know and we won’t know until we get to each country and begin doing it.
“Every day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for the sick at a hospital. Some days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for your team, and spending time praying for the community you walk through. Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s kingdom work.”
How much does this cost? / When does all the money have to be raised?
To go on the Race I have to raise $16,962.
This money covers travel, training costs, food, lodging, and other group expenses from the time we leave in January to when we arrive back in the U.S. in November.
It does not however include gear, vaccinations, travel to and from training/launch, and personal spending money while on the Race.
While Adventures in Missions (the organization that runs the World Race) allows you to keep raising money until month 4 in the field, April 2016 for me, it is my prayer that I will be fully funded by the time we leave in January 2016.
What do you take with you? / Where do you live?
This is probably my favorite question that I get about the Race because I always get crazy responses when I answer.
The simple answer – a backpack. (Well really two – a large 65L pack and a smaller daypack.)
So all my clothes, toiletries, shoes, gear, eating utensils, etc. that I need for the year will be stuffed into a backpack and carried from country to country on my back.
As for where we will be living, it will vary from month to month depending on where we are and what we are doing in each country. However, we will each have a tent to sleep in if need be.
If you know me well, I imagine you are probably laughing at the sight of me packing everything I need for a year into a backpack and living out of a tent.
Don’t worry, I’m laughing too.
But I look forward to the lessons that I will learn along the way and I am excited to step out of my comfort zone and trust in God to take care of my every need.
I hope this blog was helpful in answering any questions you may have had about the Race. If you have any more questions feel free to comment below and I will be sure to answer!
