Wow, it has been an exciting and change filled few weeks. Since I last wrote I’ve graduated with my Master’s degree, sold my car, and ended both of my jobs. Let’s just say a lot has been going on, but more on that later. I am writing today to share about another big change and I am SO excited!
Those that attended my Fundraising Dinner know what it is, but for most of you, it’s brand new news:)
A little background…
When I started my World Race application in Fall 2012, there were only two routes available for a September 2013 departure. Soon after, two more routes appeared, both of which included countries in Latin America. I admit that my heart dropped a little bit as I have always wanted to serve and learn in there. However, I know that it doesn’t matter where I go because God is everywhere and I was confident that my experience would be meaningful no matter what. So, I moved forward with my application as is.
Present day…
Last Friday, V squad received an email from our mobilizer stating that there was a need for 6 of us to switch squads to help balance out overall squad numbers. Pause. This email came exactly 3 weeks before Training Camp begins which is where we finally meet our squads face to face. Yes, the people we have been praying for and connecting with for months via Facebook, phone calls, in person, and group chats. People we have come to know and love and are thisclose to meeting! So, as you can imagine this was a significant request and a risky one. Essentially what was being asked of us was to consider joining a brand new group of folks…AND as I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, serve in different countries.
As I’m sure you’ve also guessed, this route just happened to be the one that made my heart drop when I applied for the race. When I read that email and saw those countries, I knew immediately that I was supposed to switch squads. So, how did I come to decide that making such a big change so close to Training Camp was not only a good idea, but a God ordained one?
- One of the first questions I asked myself was what part of my current World Race experience am I attached to? What might hinder me from hearing from God on this, if indeed I was supposed to switch? The first thing I considered was the people. I made the intentional decision NOT to blog or Facebook stalk W squad because you can only tell so much about folks through social media. On that note, despite how much information I have on V squad, the truth is you never know people, well, until you know people. Additionally, although I love the folks on V squad, the thought of being connected to two squads seemed pretty enticing as I still feel very much a part of their journey. In the end, after over a year of blog stalking Racers, I know that no matter who I serve alongside this year, they will be pretty incredible:)
- The next level of attachment I considered was my current route. Were there any countries I was attached to or felt called to? I immediately said no and then my eyes landed on Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Gulp. I felt resistance here and had to ask myself why as I had not recognized any special connection with those countries before. As I searched my heart, I acknowledged that I was “excited” about those countries because others are excited about those countries. They are the ones folks know about aka the ones that make the news and when I rattle of my list, eyes light up and the usual reply is “whoa, Uganda/South Sudan/Rwanda, that is so cool!” The reality is that those countries are cool and much sexier than my “new set” of African countries. I mean, who gets excited about Swaziland? Needless to say, it was difficult to see that the difference in value I placed on certain countries based on popularity which for me, inherently revealed the value I placed on their people, needs, and contributions. Choosing a route because the countries are “cooler” was not a reason to stay with V squad and I’m so glad God showed me this because….
- For the first time since I applied to the World Race, I am filled with excitement and passion! I did not realize that I was not excited about my current route until the opportunity arose for me to join W squad. The excitement and energy I felt when I realized this was the route I initially wanted to be on was overwhelming. As I said before, I was going either way, but I must say it feels good to have a desire of your heart answered. Especially one you didn’t know was there! I am burning with anticipation to meet the people of Swaziland. A country that is expected to no longer exist by 2050. I look forward to telling children in Nicaragua how special they are. Needless to say, I am thrilled with my decision and so excited to meet the W squad (and my fellow V squad transplants) in just two weeks!
- Lastly, and most importantly, I have felt peace through this entire discernment process. Yeah, I’m referring to that Philippians 4 kind of peace. The kind of peace and confidence that doesn’t make sense with a such a decision in this timing. However, from the moment I read that email I knew this was for me, but just to be sure I connected with my prayer team and friends to get their input. It was a resounding DO IT! With all heads nodding in the same direction, a clear mind, and a settled spirit, it was confirmed that I was making the right choice. Now, I will say that I don’t believe there was a wrong choice to make in this case, which I praise God for. Either way, I would have been okay, but there’s something about this route and squad that causes my heart to race and my spirit to smile. I look forward to seeing what that means and sharing that with you:)
Well, now that you know how I came to this decision, here is my new route!
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Thailand*
Cambodia*
Malaysia*
India*
Nepal*
Mozambique
Swaziland
South Africa
*This country was also part of my original route
To the V squad, ya’ll are seriously incredible. Ya’ll have made me laugh so hard, pray so hard, and challenged me to press into to all that God has now, during the Race, and after. I truly feel blessed to be associated with you all and can’t wait to read and hear about your Race AND see you all at Training Camp!
To the W squad, thank you so much for welcoming me and my fellow V squad mates to your team. I am so excited to get to know you all and serve with you this year. From what I’ve seen, ya’ll are bunch filled with so much wisdom and compassion and I am excited to learn beside you. See you in 14 days…!!!
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