For those of you who have talked to me recently you can probably tell that I am pretty excited for the World Race. It is a huge opportunity, a great adventure and an amazing chance to grow in my faith while participating in the transforming work that Christ is doing in 11 countries. That being said, “the struggle is real”. This is a stressful time for me and almost everyone preparing to go on the World Race. Some quotes from my route-mates… “pray for my anxiety for this WR. I’m funded, have my gear… but I don’t want to leave my friends, family, comfort and security.”
“I really don’t want to do this. This is too much. This is going to be too hard… BUT I know it’s what I need to be doing.”
“The enemy is at work in our heads. He loathes the idea of us spending a year doing kingdom work.”
“I am nervous and anxious about getting funded…”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. But, I’m thankful that God knew about this squad before I did and planned for us to be together.”
“The Race is a big call and not an easy endeavor to take on. Thankfully, we have each other to walk this journey with. And a Father that fully understands His children’s feelings. We don’t have to tackle these feelings alone.”
I am in the same boat as my squad-mates. I am super excited for the World Race, more than you might know. BUT… BUT… I am nervous, anxious, a little worried. I have a million things I have to do and get before I leave (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, hiking pack, etc., etc.) and I leave in 2 months… 2 MONTHS!!! Plus, I have friends I want to visit before I leave, I want to spend time with my family, I need to continue building my relationship with Christ. I am stressed! I think almost every day this last week I have told myself “relax, slow down” because I feel myself just running through all the things I have to do and get before I leave. It’s just like, “holy cow, can these things just take care of themselves? Can a tent, sleeping bag, etc. show up at my door and pack themselves?” You often hear that there is joy in the journey, but this journey… well, I guess I will have to see where it leads. I am ready for the real adventure to begin, but I have this anxious journey to overcome first.
Once again, I have a Hobbit clip that relates to my post. If you haven’t noticed… love LOTR and the Hobbit is all about “An Unexpected Journey”
Bilbo: “Can you promise I will come back?”
Gandalf: “No. And if you do, you will not be the same.”
And why am I going?? Again, Bilbo provides a simile to this journey…
I, like Bilbo, have a home in Christ. The people I am going to serve, like the dwarfs, do not have a home in Christ, and I want to help them get their home back that they lost to sin back with Adam and the sin and chains that hold them back today.
