“Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified nor discouraged; for the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go.”
-Joshua 1:9
The reality of me traveling the world in 8 months is unreal. I have tried to start “mentally” preparing myself for this journey; but I don’t think I can be fully prepared for the changes my life is going to embark come July.
Here lately, the most asked questions I have been asked is: “Are you not scared?” “Why travel when the world is in the state that it is?” “What if you get Ebola?” & “What if something happens & you never come home?” I think it is time I answer those questions.
1)”Are you not scared?”
Yes, scared to death. I have never traveled this length of time, this far away from home; but I have to remember that God promises if I am willing, he will show me great things. God is calling me to embark in doing his work; so, this trip isn’t about me, it is about him & the untouched people. I know that wherever I go, weather it is 5 miles up the road or 500,000 miles away, he is with me & knowing that, makes me brave. No fear can hinder that.
2)”Why travel the world when it is in the state that it is?”
The condition of this nation & world is only going to get worse if something doesn’t change it, so why not go now & try to change it before it worsens beyond repair? My heart truly breaks for this world. I don’t think people understand that the unfailing love from the Lord is what this country & world needs; not the power of presidents. My prayer is that one day each person in the world can feel the love I do daily. This world needs to be forever changed & I am crazy to think I can do that. So, “why not travel now?” should be the question asked.
3)”What if you get Ebola?”
It seems like the only thing people want to discuss is Ebloa, Ebloa, & Ebola when I mention traveling for a year, especially when one of my destinations is South Africa. This is the way I look at it; the United States has already contracted the virus, so I could easily get Ebola before I depart. I am not one bit worried about contracting the virus while I am traveling. Yes, it is deathly, but if I do just so happen to get Ebola, fantastic. Why do I say that? Because, that would be part of the plan God has for me & his plans are FAR bigger for me than I can imagine & Ebola won’t change them.
4)”What if something happens & you don’t get to come home?”
This question really puts reality in perspective for me. Sure, there is a chance I may not be able to return home, that is given anywhere you go; but I will say this: if something happens & I am never able to return home, I am 100% satisfied with where I am in my life. I am genuinely happy with all my accomplishments, the love I have for the Lord & everyone around me, & where my heart lies. As stated in the previous answer, God’s plan for me is FAR FAR greater than the plan I have for myself. His work will be completed in me & I will be wrapped forever in his love where ever I go; not just the World Race.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
