Well, this is one post long overdue. But deep breathe-this is happening and a bit of focus is required on my part.
After researching and dreaming longingly of The World Race for a little over a year, I finally decided to sit down and apply-to a Passport Mission first (which is actually about to launch in a couple weeks). Now, what has caused me to venture on a different path was the daunting financial mountain I would need to climb for The World Race and Passport seemed a lot more attainable. But my heart didn’t seem in it, like I was compromising because of my own limitations, ashamed to admit it, but not willing to fully give it to God for fear that the deadlines will come and I wouldn’t be allowed to cross that finish line.
Months went by and I found myself giving a tour to my friend as she visited me in my hometown of New Orleans. Her first time here so if course we had to visit some of the iconic sites of The Big Easy. The plan was an exploration around and through The French Quarter then take a moment to savor a cup of cafe-a-lait and munch on some freshly fried beignets goodness. Well God had another stop in place for us as we ended up running into a local mission trip group. They were doing interpreted dancing, music of praise filling Jackson Square as hands were raised in admiration.
We paused, taking in the scene when we were approached by a young women of our age. After exchanging pleasantries she started asking us about our relationship with God; where do we desire to grow and where He is leading us in our lives. Eventually her friend joined us and gave us her testimony of how no matter how dire the circumstances that surrounded her were God was always there to provide and comfort her.
After an hour of conversing, laughing, and praying, we parted ways feeling as old friends. After a moment of quiet reflection I excitedly declared,
“I’m going on The World Race. As soon as we get home I’m applying. The only way to grow my faith is if I actually stop looking at only what I can do but what God can do.”
“You know that’s right!”
So that evening with a renewed spark in my heart I put in my application. And I must admit, it’s an indescribable feeling of relief when you know that you never have to carry any load by yourself. Now as I embark on this path, I can’t wait to see where God will take me next.
Sincerely,
Anna Joelle
