Dear Myself,
Ask God to prepare your heart, mind, and soul.
Life on the World Race will be difficult in ways you expect, but in so many more ways that you don’t. The Race will be uncomfortable, but don’t worry – the uncomfortable becomes comfortable.
Let go of who you think you are. If you hold on too tight, the redefining God is going to do will be ten times as difficult. Figure out how to open the hands of your soul quicker rather than slower. Your true identity will emerge. And when it does, brace yourself. It will turn your life up-side down.
As open-minded as you think you are, open it that much more. There is an infinite amount of wisdom to gain and lessons to learn. Know that the uncomfortable situations will push you to a limit of learning you didn’t know you had. Those moments will seem ridiculous, extreme, and sometimes even purposeless in the moment. Trust me, you will be eternally grateful for them later.
Remember to exercise your patience. It will be tested in new ways and to an all-time high on the World Race. The sooner you adopt grace as your best friend, the sooner life with 22 new people will become easier. (That’s not even counting the new people you meet each month.) At first you may see grace as just something others need. Later you’ll learn that you need it just as much -if not more – for yourself. Use grace daily.
Memorize the World Race quote and hide it in your heart along with scripture.
Hold loosely. Love deeply.
This is very important. Don’t lose sight of what it means or forget to put it into action every month. Use the kingdom mindset to make it a bit easier. You may never see your host or those you minister to ever again on this Earth, but there’s always a chance to see them in heaven. Love like God loves – unconditionally and continually. Form relationships that are heartfelt and real.
Each and every month, make it a priority to search for God in new avenues. Whether it be through a host, through a teammate, through a new gift, through _(you fill in the blank)_. God wants to reveal Himself to you in new ways. Let Him out of the box you’ve trapped Him in and see what He has to show you.
Anything you hear from home – do not stress about it. Strive to stay present. It may sound easy now, but you’ll understand once you’re out on the field. It can be hard at times. You’ll want to try to fix situations from afar. You’ll even find your mind becoming overwhelmed with ministry life, because you’re worried about home life as well. God’s word says to leave everything behind in order to follow Him – do it. I promise you won’t regret it. God can use you so much more when you’ve surrendered absolutely everything. Plus, He can take care of anything back home better than you can. He’s got it. Don’t worry > Stay present. Just pray.
Well, that’s about everything you need to know. Oh wait! I almost forgot – You need to know what to pack…rather what NOT to.
Necessities:
• several underwear (several = 5)
• a few pairs of socks (few = 3)
• 2 bras (1 sport / 1 normal)
• shirts (1 t-shirt / 2 v-necks / 2 tank tops)
• shorts (1 Nike / 1 blue jean)
• pants (2 yoga knee-length / 1 yoga pant / 1 jeans)
• bathing suit (tankini)
• shoes (Chacos / tennis shoes / flip flops – to be used with “nice” outfits and as home shoes)
• “nice” outfits (1knee-length dress / 1 skirt / 1 thin pant)
• fingernail clippers
•razor (travel size with 4 extra heads)
•hair ties (at least 15)
•brush (travel size)
•toothbrush / toothpaste (travel size)
•towel
•pillow (travel size)
•sleeping bag
•light blanket
•Bible
•journal
•pens
•computer
•contacts / solution
•Tylenol / Midol (travel size)
•chapstick
•wallet
•passport
•debit card & 1 credit card
•ipod / 2 headphones (1 for back-up)
•65L backpack
•small daypack
•small “purse” (for carrying wallet, water bottle, and bible)
•water bottle
•packing cubes
•camera
I think that’s all. It’s not much. Just make sure not to overthink. There may not be Wal-Mart’s or Kroger’s around the world, but they do have shops with the necessities. Don’t overpack!
And remember – have fun! It will be the best 11 months of your life. Hands down. No questions asked. College was great, but the World Race is 100% the season of life that will forever be responsible for shaping the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
Yourself… 11 months later
