If you had asked me a few months ago what I would be doing right now, I can guarantee you I would not have said, “Well actually I’m preparing to go on the World Race next July!” If we’re being honest here, the World Race was on my radar about as much as an actual race aka “that sounds awesome, but I would never do something like that!” (although who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll train for a half marathon or something. HAHAHA). Don’t get me wrong, the idea of spending 11 months ministering to people and sharing the gospel all over the world sounded pretty cool. For someone else. I mean, I’ve always loved traveling and have become more interested in ministry over the last few years, but this still wasn’t what I thought I would be doing. Then again, I really didn’t have a clue what I would be doing since I graduated from college in May, moved back home, and had no plans beyond the summer job and travel plans I already had lined up. I guess I thought after that I would just get a job while I tried to figure out what I’m REALLY supposed to do with my life. So in August, I started working a part time job and praying for direction.
Well let’s rewind a little. I have been incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to go on several mission trips starting at a young age. I was only eleven when I went on my first overseas mission trip, and I think that is what initially sparked a desire to expand my worldview. I’ve also had a strong desire to help people for as long as I can remember, though in what capacity I have never been sure exactly. It wasn’t until I first went to Kenya two years ago that God really opened my eyes and I began to consider that maybe He has bigger plans than I realize. It was so clear how God is working to transform lives in Kenya, and I wanted to experience more of the authentic, uninterrupted faith I saw in the people there. So, I went back this past May and was once again awestruck by the love and joy I experienced there. I should note that I was pretty familiar with the World Race at this point, yet I still had not once considered it may be where God was calling me.
So fast forward to sometime around late September as I’m working part time and contemplating my life the other part of the time. I was about 94.7% sure that I was going to apply for a seasonal job in Alaska for next summer, because why not? I was up there in July and fell in love with it so why not go back up there and work while I contemplate life some more, right? Well, it wasn’t long before I saw a posting for the job I wanted to apply for, but I didn’t quite feel at peace about it. Around that time, the idea of the World Race kept popping into my mind and I couldn’t deny the calling I felt to apply. So I did. By the time I found out I was accepted, I had no doubts that this was where God was calling me.
There’s something else about all of this I should mention. About a week ago, I was thinking about the race (because that’s basically all I think about now), and out of nowhere I remembered a conversation I had at the orphanage in Kenya where I was back in May. There had been a World Race team at this particular orphanage about a month before I was there, and one of the girls at the orphanage began talking about the World Race with me, presumably because a team had just been there. She told me that I should go on the World Race, and I’m pretty sure I responded with something along the lines of, “Ohh yeah that would be pretty cool! Ha..” But of course, I didn’t really give her comment a second thought. I had all but forgotten about that conversation until after I found out I was going on the World Race. God really has a good sense of humor.
So, if you’re still reading this, congratulations! I hope you’ll continue to follow me as I begin this exciting journey. Please pray for me and everyone I’ll be serving with as we prepare for this trip. Also, if you would like to support me financially you can click “support me” at the top of the page and follow the directions. I feel strongly that God is calling me to this, and I trust that He will provide the funds necessary for me to go. Thanks for your prayers and support!
