You’ve got questions and I’ve got answers. Well, most of the answers. So, let’s hit it.
What is the World Race?
The World Race is an eleven month long missions trip to eleven different countries. Interested in a lengthier description? Click the orange link on the left titled, “What is The World Race?” for more info!
Who runs the World Race program?
The World Race is a program of a larger organization based in Gainesville, Georgia called Adventures in Missions (also known as AIM, just in case you see that acronym thrown around). Adventures in Missions partners with short-term missions, churches, missionaries and organizations around the world. They focus on sending in to teams to serve in the work that is needed to each specific country in their local communities.
So, why in the world are you doing this?
For a number of reasons (a blog post coming soon about the “Why”), but in summary, I am doing the World Race because 9-months ago I believe God made it very evident to me that I go on this trip. He has asked me to lay down all my plans, worries about the future, and comforts to deepen our relationship in ways I have never known possible. I’m all in. I am doing this to learn and grown in Christ and pour out His love and hope to those all over the world through serving, loving, and teaching.
Who are you going to be traveling the world with?
I will be traveling all over the globe with about 40-50 incredible young adults. This large group of people is called my squad. Upon arrival in each country, we will be split up into teams of around 8-10 people each. Each team will be doing different ministry work throughout the month. The squad and team will become like family as we live in community over the 11-month period (like, really really close community; an extrovert’s dream).
Which countries will you be serving in?
I am thrilled to be visiting 3 different continents throughout the trip! I will be serving in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, The Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Personally, I am excited for Malawi due to many of my close friends serving there through a mission trip from my home church. Also, I’ll admit I am pumped for Thailand mostly because I really love Pad Thai noodles.
What are you going to do in each country?
Your guess is as good as mine! But truly, what we do each month will vary based on the ministries each team is sent to. We most likely won’t know until we show up—another reason to sign up for updates for blog posts! Typical World Race activities include teaching English, loving orphans, volunteering in hospitals, doing construction work, befriending women and children who have been victims of human trafficking, and even finding ways to add in our own God-given talents to aid the ministry (and yes, I am determined to put on a play or skit of some kind and I hope my team is cool with it).
What about important things like food and shelter?
When the World Race begins, my new home is a tent, my new bed is a sleeping bag, and all of it will be packed up in a hiking pack that needs to weigh no more than 40lbs. “How are you going to fit all your stuff for a year in a backpack?!” Well, I don’t quite know yet, but it’s been done many times before and I’ll let you know how it goes. #packingpuzzle. As far as “shelter” is concerned, each month will vary depending on our location. Sometimes we might be in a church basement or a ministry contact’s spare room, and other months we might be tent camping outdoors (which my mother is thrilled about). My team will have a food budget—we may be cooking for ourselves, buying meals at local markets, or eating with our ministry contacts. I’ve had a decent number of “food picture” requests and my response: YOU GOT IT.
When do you leave for the World Race?
Our squad launch date is set for September 4, 2015. The date may change as we get closer, but I will definitely be leaving in the beginning of September for the World Race! Stay tuned for updates!
How much does this all cost and where does the money coming from?
Whenever I answer this question the response is usually, “Uh, Victoria, that’s a lot of money.” I agree, it is. For this mission, I will (with God’s help) fundraise $16,267. A lot of money? Absolutely. Doable? Absolutely. Do you want to be part of it? ABSOLUTELY! Already, I have seen God work in incredible ways by moving hearts of people to generously give to this mission. For that, THANK YOU! If you would like to join in by financially supporting me, click the “Support Me!” link to the left. If you wish to send in a check to Adventures In Missions, please contact me for further information on the procedure. If you cannot give at this time, I still would love to hear from you, have you as a prayer partner, or love for you to share in this experience through my blog updates and photos. This trip is about all of us coming together without our simple and finite resources to further God’s kingdom.
And what does the cost cover?
This money will be used to cover the cost of travel, food, board, and insurance over the course of the year. Also, your donation is tax deductible! If you choose to support via online, you will receive a tax-deductible form in the mail. Again, if you wish to send in a check, please contact me so I can set you up with a response card that will provide AIM with the information needed.
How else can I help?
PRAY! Then pray some more, and then some more—everything from the practical matters (funding, safety, health, and so forth) to the spiritual:
- Pray that God uses this unique experience to break me, change me, and shape me into the daughter of His that He calls me to be and have a better understanding and relationship with Him. Pray that this entire experience from now until I return is challenging in ways I’ve never been challenged; that I am stretched emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
- Pray for my squad and my team; that their hearts are also prepared for this huge endeavor and open to what God has planned for all of us. Pray that we are sensitive to the Spirit as we move from country to country and that we are bold and intentional with our message of Love to those we come in contact with.
- Pray for those who we meet; that God will soften their hearts and open their eyes to His great love for them.
- And finally, pray that you, as well as everyone else participating in this with me (through prayer, encouragement, and finances) gain a better understanding of Christ and deepen your relationship with Him as we all partner together in this mission.
Again, please stay tuned for more updates. If you would like to have these blog posts emailed to you, feel free to click the “Follow Me” tab to sign up! Thank you all so much for all the support already. I would love to answer any more questions you may have or just chat about this experience with you. Please feel free to contact me!
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy… It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
— David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
