Have you ever seen on Facebook or heard in conversation what so-and-so is doing with their life and think “what makes he/she the right person for that?” or “is he/she really the best fit?” Well let me tell you, I’m sure many people have been saying the exact same thing about me and the World Race. Common responses along those lines I have gotten so far when telling my calling to the World Race are:
“You know you won’t always get a hot shower, right? Can you even function without one?”
“This is coming from the girl who carries around hand sanitizer everywhere? Hahahaha.”
“You’ve never been away from home longer than a couple months.”
“But you haven’t even been out of the United States before…”
“You can’t even speak another language…”
“You hate public speaking.”
“You can’t afford that.”
“Hahahahahahaha.”
Some of you reading this are probably some of the very ones who have said these things or, at the very least, thought them. That’s okay. I’m really glad you’re reading it! I’m about to respond to your concerns, questions, and even the indignant comments.
Why am I a good fit for the World Race:
1. I have been called to this by God. I didn’t just dream up going on the World Race. In fact, I argued with God about it. But, I’m delighted that God has asked me to go — and I’m going!
2. Yes, I like being clean. Is it a requirement for me to be squeaky clean to function? No. I grew up in the country playing in mud puddles and running around barefoot outside. I can function in less than sanitized conditions. But guess what? We get showers on the Race and I’ll bring my own hand sanitizer.
3. You are right, I haven’t been away from home, or Arkansas, for more than a couple months. But in college I was gone a lot, and guess what? I survived. In fact, though I love my home and my family a great deal, I love traveling and exploring new places. I love living differently and gaining new insights. I love the freedom and independence that comes along with such a life. So yes, this fact is a motivator, not a disability.
4. False. I went to the Bahamas once. But that aside, I know I haven’t been a world traveler. I’m excited to be one, though! I thoroughly enjoy learning about new cultures, making new friends, and being adventurous. I daydream often about all of the incredible places in this world that I have yet to see, and cannot wait to get a jumpstart on seeing them. It’s God’s world, I’m His daughter, and I think He gave me the travel fever genetics.
5. I am not bilingual in any stretch of the word. True, I have taken 5 Spanish language courses and received an A on all of them. Without practice, however, any kind of “learning” a language is relatively lost. However, I love learning new words and new languages! So, if any my new friends in Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, India, Nepal, Mongolia, or China want to teach me some words in their language — I would be delighted to learn! Plus, we will have translators in many countries. Oh, and in many countries people know English, although it is not the primary language spoken. With all that aside, love is not language specific. That’s my primary communication anyway, so — bring it on, World!
6. You got me here! It is true that I am not a fan of public speaking — unless I am really sure of what I am saying. A fact that always calms me about this: God used Moses to be a great leader and he also did not like public speaking. See? No worries. And actually, I can do public speaking when needed. It just makes me a bit nervous. It won’t be me talking though, it’ll be God talking through me. No need to be nervous there!
7. Another fact I cannot dispute: I simply do not have the $16,000+ needed to go on the World Race. However, I do have friends, family, and even strangers that will become ministry partners with me by giving through God’s provision. I trust God wholeheartedly to give me the funds I need so that I can go on the World Race. He called me, He’s going to take care of me.
Okay, so here are some more reasons why I feel that God called me:
I am His.
I love Him.
I am young.
I am healthy.
I have a heart that is breakable.
I have a desire to help others in any way I can.
I said “yes” when God asked me to the World Race.
I have nothing tying me down to one place yet (single, no kids, no debt, etc.).
Here you have it, folks! This is why I am a good fit for the World Race. It’s not that I’m a seasoned missionary or that I have all the right answers or that I have more righteousness or that I’m an expert traveler. I’m going because God asked me to. I’m going because I said “yes.” I’m going because Father God is making it possible. That’s why I’m going. Not because of me, but because of God.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.”
-Romans 11:17
P.S. As always, thank-you for reading!
P.P.S. If you want to help support me meet my missions goal and enable me to go on the World Race to spread the love of God to people all across the world, you can click on the “support me” tab on the left side of your screen. Your gifts are very much appreciated (and needed)!
