I committed to going on the World Race almost 2 months ago, and kicked off my fundraising about a month ago (where is the time going?!) Lately, I've been going through a bit of a wake-up call… the race is becoming less of an abstract event that was far off down the road, to an actual date on my calendar which is quickly approaching.
I've been pushing any thoughts of the race to the back of my mind for a couple of reasons. First of all, I didn't want to start worrying or having anxiety about what's to come, because that will just get me nowhere. I've found myself over-thinking possible situations that could happen, and getting worked up over them. There's just no point to that. And secondly, I want to be as fully present as possible in this day. I don't want to be so caught up in my future that I lose sight of the glorious things going on around me while I'm still in Pittsburgh.
But as I said, I've recently had a wake-up call: I'm not ready to go on the World Race.
And my next thought was is it even possible to be ready for it?
Well, I'm not sure. I DO know that there's no way I can be 100% prepared, but as of today, I am going to be more diligent in doing anything I can to get ready physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spirituaIlly, for the race.
As I've said in a previous post, I'm tiny… I might weigh 100 lbs when I get out of the shower and I'm soaking wet. I usually lack motivation to work out because I'm just naturally small to begin with! But let's be real, this is not going to help me out much on the race. So, I am going to start building muscle and (try) to put on a few pounds. In NO way is this about looking a certain way, it's all about being physically prepared for the race, as it is going to really put my strength and endurance to the test. I don't want my small stature to hold me back, and I want to be able to serve to the best of my ability. I also want to be in good health so that my immune system can be strong and fight off any health issues that come my way. So, bring on the weights and the calories!
For my internship at my church, I had to be matched up with a mentor. A member of the church suggested to my boss that I be matched with a certain lady, and at first I was skeptical. Well… I was so wrong! I met my mentor a week ago in church, and we hit it off right away. To put it simply, she is FABULOUS. We met over coffee this morning to start going over what I'd like to get out of our mentoring relationship. I told her that I need to start preparing myself emotionally and spiritually for the race, so that is what we decided to focus on.
She has already helped prepare someone else for a mission trip before, so it's not a far-stretched situation for her at all. She referred me to a physician who can help me prepare physically (eg. vaccines, health precautions I should take, and nutrition while on the field) and to a Christian counselor (to make sure I am not bringing any emotional baggage along with me). Furthermore, she just so happens to have friends who either are or have been missionaries in Romania, Swaziland, and Thailand who she is going to put me in contact with.
Does it get any better than that? Sure does.
She told me that her gift lies in dealing with spiritual warfare. So, we are going to start meeting on a weekly basis and somehow start preparing myself for the things I will experience in these countries. The spiritual warfare aspect of the trip is something that frightens me, as these places will often be HEAVILY influenced by a dark spiritual realm. It is possible that I will be in the presence of witch doctors, dark magic, demons, etc. THIS IS TERRIFYING TO ME. But at the same time, I know deep down that I have NO NEED to fear because I have Christ WITHIN ME and that He has ultimate power over anything I might encounter.
I am really grateful that my mentor just so happened to come into my life at this point in time, because I think I'll be learning some invaluable lessons that I woulnd't be able to do on my own that will prepare me for the battle ahead.
Future racers, what are you guys doing to prepare yourself for the race?! Current/past racers, is there anything you wish you had done to prepare before the race that you didn't do? Ready, set, go!
