My heart has always been tender towards mission and charity work, but because I never wanted to be a pastor (Could you imagine me preaching?!… Actually, lets not) I never knew what this would mean for me. I have prayed my whole life for God to reveal why He created me with such a strong desire to invest in developing countries.
After college, my plan was to move home, take off two years while paying off loans, go to grad school, graduate with a Masters degree (maybe a ring on my finger ;)) and work in a private practice as a therapist. Simple, straight forward, and socially respectable.
After graduation, I started applying for summer jobs in San Diego (because who doesnt want a last Whoo raahh summer in SD with friends?!) and came across a nanny position with a FABULOUS family- asking for a year commitment. Only God knows why I accepted the position, but I am so thankful I did! It allowed me to pay loans, live in SD with friends, and forced me to grow SO MUCH more than I ever thought I needed. Living outside of my private christian University bubble, and away from my home and home church, forced me to stand on my own; to create my own community, spiritual leaders, and develop the foundation of how I was going to live my life and walk with Christ.
I soon entered the application season for grad school and I started to feel lost, defeated, and confused. Where did all my passion for the future go? And why was I feeling this when I had plan A, B, and C written down, laminated, and hung up on my wall!? Okay, this may or may not be an exaggeration. Lets just say…I “knew” what I was doing with my life. Like, nothing was going to stop me. It was set in stone. STONE people. Imaginary lamination is serious business.
After I questioned everything, I started praying hard about my future and asked God to open and close doors. Through mentorship converstaions, and prayer, I came across the World Race.
I will be the first to admit that I was scepticale. I am not always “pro” short term mission trips. The dynamics of charity work become tricky and complicated fast. I had so many questions and concerns while researching this program.
Do they really know the local communities?
Do they understand the culture?
Do take the approach of “white mans burden”? (Not about that)
How do they take in to consideration the economic situations of where they stay, and how that affects their stance and actions while in these countries?
How do they partner with local charities and organizations?
Are they mobilizing and empowering people, or enabling and handicapping them?
So many questions. So many concerns. I get it. There is a lot that goes in to charity work. And a lot of it can be damaging if not done well or well educated on the issues.
All I can say is that the more I research World Race and talk to mobilizers (leaders), the more I am comforted in the approach they take in mission work, and I fully support and believe in what they do.
All this aside, no amount of questions, research, or hard conversations with friends and old professors about missions could take away the overwhelming pull I was feeling towards this Race. I have never felt so much peace and promise then I have the past 4 months while thinking, praying, talking about, and applying for World Race.
SO, I am asking you to join me and invest in this organization, this mission, and the work World Race does for developing countries, and children all over the world.
Much love and many blessings,
Marsh
