For those of you who may be new to this blog, I just wanted to give you a little glimpse of who I am and what I about to do. On September 4th, I will join 64 other young people (ages 21-35), and leave the U.S. for a year with The World Race.
The World Race is a global missions journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve "the least of these" while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it's not about you; it's about the Kingdom.
Here's my route:
The Dominican Republic
Haiti
Thailand
Cambodia
Vietnam/Laos
Mozambique
Tanzania
Swaziland
Moldova
Romania
Ireland
I chose the race because… well… the race really chose me in alot of ways! This January, my heart was really stirring about the future, what I'm really 'doing with my life,' and at 27, I found God closing some doors and keeping others closed (ie, being laid off from my job, being single without a home or a whole lot of attachments), and the whisper to GO started to become more of an urgent PANG – a prompting that was keeping me awake at night and not letting me sleep without thinking about the potential of what God had in mind.
I started working through the "Experiencing God" study by Richard/Henry Blackabee, and the prayers that came out of my mouth during that season this past year were unlike any I had uttered before. I started praying things like,"Wherever You send me, God. Whatever brings You the most joy, God… I want what You want."
So, the day came in February when I finally submitted my application to the Race and waited on God. The interview and process of paperwork and phone conversations seem like a blur now – and back in March, I was accepted to be a World Racer on the September Route #2.
These last few months, between obtaining credit cards, immunizations, preparing medications and closing accounts – God has been saying, "as you prepare to love my children, I will give you an unlimited supply of love. You are blessed to carry this cross. I will carry you as you carry it."
I have seen so much goodness, and God's mercies and sweet, deep conversations and the heartaches and joys I have been able to experience alongside friends and family these last few months have truly given me the strength I need to set out on this journey. I love you all.
P.S. I will plan to blog frequently, 2x a week if I can, so please save this blog link to your RSS feeds, follow me, and PLEASE PLEASE send me comments on this blog. That is going to be surrogate snail-mail and the best way I will have to stay connected with you. Love you guys!
