11 countries. 11 months.
I still remember the first time I watched the video on World Race’s website — people praying with hands raised, ministering to the poor and broken, worshipping and studying the Word together, living in community, sleeping in tents, eating weird foods. I pictured super Christians who knew their Bible front and back. I pictured people who are awesome at evangelism — people who have it all together.
Not only was I completely unqualified for the gig, did I mention it cost $17,000 to go?
Despite the thrill and spark inside of me, I closed the laptop knowing I was not cut out for the World Race.
2 years later, I’m cramming on a bus full of teams from my squad accompanying me to the mountains of the Dominican Republic.
How did I get here?
I literally pitched my tent in my living room the night before training camp. I took 3 showers in 10 days at training camp to avoid the bucket showers provided for us. I’ve ran around like a chicken with my head cut off for the last 3 months.
But I’ve also raised (YOU’VE GIVEN) $11,000 in 5 months. I’ve gotten all of the confusing and professional camping gear that I’ve needed. I’ve gotten a passport, all 257 immunizations (*exaggeration), malaria medicine, an international banking card (that still has not arrived), 3 journals, and packed 11 months worth of clothes into two bags. I’ve stood in front of Sunday school classes, churches, and businesses sharing the passion the Lord has called me to and asking for financial help.
You all may be currently sitting behind your computers comfortably at home right now reading this thinking, “that’s incredible of her, but there is no way I could do that.”
But my point is, to all of you out there who have a sliver of hope inside of you to do radical, crazy, incredible things. You may be completely incapable of them (I was), but God is capable of all of them in and through you!!! When the Lord calls you to something, it is often to things that you ARE incapable of so that He can be shown through you and so that He can stretch you and grow you.
Secrets: 1. I hated every minute of fundraising. I hate asking people for help, much less money.
2. I am a D I V A. When people talk about going camping I think of an RV, and even that is slumming it for me.
3. Going a week at a time without makeup is outside of my comfort zone. 4. I am terrible at evangelism. I can talk to someone about their faith and my faith all day long, but to go up to someone and flat out share the gospel with them.. I freeze up.
5. I am completely and desperately unqualified and unprepared for the World Race.
// Plot twist: what I found out about those “super Christians” is that they are messy and unqualified. Their lives have been full of sin, trauma, grief, abuse, redemption, grace, and joy. These people are JUST LIKE ME. They don’t have it all together. They have no idea what they are doing. They aren’t pros at being missionaries nor do they enjoy bucket showers or camping out without electricity for 10 days. What they do know is that Jesus Christ is alive. He took their dirty and damaged hearts and transformed them into beautiful sons and daughters of Christ. They can not contain the Good News inside of them any longer; they are compelled to share it with anyone willing to listen. //
As I look out the window and my eyes lay sight for the first time on soil outside of the United States, the reality of the journey I’ve just begun is still out of my grasps. However, I sense it will be breathtaking….
Whatever your dreams are. Chase them.
Take the leap. You only live once.
Talk to you soon.
— Your racer,
KP
