“Expectations.” Such a loaded word. I was told that this blog entry, the one discussing what to expect from this year long mission, is one of the “hottest topics” for readers. That puts a little pressure on the words laid in this entry, doesn’t it. 
Thats alright, I tend to thrive under pressure. So, back onto topic….what to expect from expectations.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. It is a very well known verse. Although often used no matter how many times I hear it or how restless my soul is at the time, it always comforts me. This wonderful verse stills my anxieties and shakes, my questions and wonders; it is peaceful. Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know that plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse is where my heart finds itself when I think about the World Race. I often tell people who ask me about the World Race that 40% of me is terrified and 60% of me is ecstatic. This fear is only a fear of the unknown. The unknown lends no answers for expectations; it is hard to know what to expect when you know only little about what it is that you’re facing. Jeremiah 29 gives me comfort about this unknown and peace about what to expect. I expect change and solidity. Change in myself and in the people God touches through us racers and solidity in the relationships I make. I expect challenges, both from my fellow racers and also the people we contact. I expect God to challenge me and my faith. I expect laughter and tears for many reasons, and no reasons at all. The uncertainties of quitting my job, selling my car, boarding my wonderful cat, and leaving with one bag for an entire year, are all comforted by the knowledge that God knows what plans he has for me and that they are full of welfare. It is a beautiful thing, being able to take comfort from knowing God is in control.
There is another verse I love to think about when contemplating what this trip may or may not hold and it is Micah 6:8. Micah 6:8 says “He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord.” There are many things that I could expect from this trip, but I don’t know what the Lord has in store for myself or any of the other racers who I will be with. So, I am trying very hard to expect simplicity and rely on the fact that God is in control. He calls us, on this mission and in life frankly, to walk humbly with him and to love mercy and kindness. As humans we often fail at these things, I know I do daily, but the wonderful thing about the World Race is that I am not alone. There are people who will be with me, who I expect to hold me accountable and who will show me what it means to walk humbly with the Lord. I expect these wonderful people to change me and to be changed. I anticipate that my expectations may be off, inaccurate or naive, but they may be on target as well. I do not know, but look forward to finding out.
So, what to expect from expectations? Everything and nothing. I do not know if this blog has made any sense to readers (apologies if it does not) but it is how I feel when my mind races about this World Race. I expect everything; change, wonder, faith, challenge, people, laughter and pain. I also expect nothing; no obligations, no requirements, no criteria for “the right race”, no bills, no cell phones or social media disasters, no appointments or first world problems. Just God, me and people. 
Thanks for reading.
Tabbi
