It’s been fun getting to know the World Racers out here and develop a sense of community. One of the guys that I’ve enjoyed getting to know has an incredible gift and talent that I know will be used for the Kingdom. Daniel used to be a studio tech and has been using his gifts of creativity and editing through the World Race. If you want to check out some of his videos, go here to search his blog. There are many videos on there, chronicling the last eight months of his journey. As I was watching through some of his videos and reading up on his blogs, I came across the article that started it for him. this article ran in his hometown before he left and was step one in launching his gifts for the Kingdom…
CINCINNATI – Imagine quitting your job, packing everything you need into a backpack, and heading out to discover the world’s deepest needs and how to fix them.
It’s a potentially life-changing adventure that is about to begin for one of Channel 9’s own.
It’s called The World Race, but it’s not a race. And even though it sounds like a new reality show, you won’t find it on television.
It started just a few years ago in 2006 and since then has sent hundreds of mainly 20-somethings all over the world to simply love and help others in need.
Andi Wendel from Fort Thomas has participated in two world races, once as a racer, the other time as a leader.
“I think I expected for me to go in and save the world and all this kind of stuff – which you definitely do touch other people’s lives – but, it’s much more a shaping and journey for yourself,” says Andi.
Daniel Durick, 22, is a studio technician here at Channel 9 and is resigning his position at the end of this month to prepare for an 11-month pilgrimage around the world.
He will embark on this adventure with a group of like-minded strangers, his meager belongings and a budget of about $5 a day.
“Y’ know, I don’t know what I have to offer. I’m not the smartest person. I don’t have a lot of money, but I want to do anything possible – whether that would be helping someone do their job for a day or just love someone,” says Daniel, a Lexington, Ky. native. “I really do think that’s all I can do.”
Adventure has been a big part of Daniel’s life in the past couple of years since graduating from Northern Kentucky University.
He has sky-dived, hiked across Connecticut, played whiffle ball in some of the most remote locations out West and traveled out of the country to Ecuador and Iceland.
While exploring the wonder and bigness of this world, he has met new friends and, most importantly, grown. And now, it seems, it’s time for something more.
“To see a son that two or three years ago that was pretty much self-centered in his life – and to see a change where he cares about people and now wants to spread that even farther – I’m just excited about the future for Daniel,” says Doug Durick, Daniel’s father.
A future that’s as bright as the world is big.
If you’re interested in finding out more about The World Race, Daniel Durick or how to support him, you can go to Larry Handley’s blog at WCPO.com.
Larry will also share Daniel’s travels over the next year with periodic stories and on his blog..
