Just you hold your horses there buddy. As a matter of fact, I do have a job this summer. I will be rafting, backpacking, and rock climbing, thank you very much. Just you remember that when you’re in your cubical.
Come on, you know what I meant. After summer is over…
There is no denying that I am at a sizeable transition in my life. I don’t think it’s all that uncommon for people my age to get burnt out after school has finished. In fact, I know several people who will be taking a year off to travel before getting too ramped up in their career. And I mean, come on, when is there going to be a better time to do something crazy than right now in your life? At least, that’s what people say to me all of the time.
The truth is it’s still a little different for me, actually a lot different. Yes, I love traveling. Yes, I feel extremely burnt out on school. Yes, this may be a prime moment to do something incredible before taking root elsewhere. But the reason I’m leaving is quite a bit different. The significance of this trip is not purely for excitement or diversion. I’m leaving because I truly believe, with all of my heart, that there is a God and that He is Love. It’s that simple. As my college pastor beautifully put it, “To be human is to be the object of God’s love”.
I’ve been on a couple of short term missions trips during my time in college. Most of the trips were service focused. It’s a powerful statement to have a group of people travel across the globe just to serve others, and God is glorified in that. On this trip, I will still be serving people. That much has not changed. What has changed is that service is not the only statement that I want to make. I really, truly, want people to know God, and really want to tell them about Him. There is an old saying that goes something like this, “share the good news of Jesus with everyone, and use words when necessary.” I think we’re getting really good at serving people without words; but in the end of the day, if were missing words then were withholding the greatest gift we have to offer, a God that loves people beyond measure, by grace alone, exactly where there at, regardless of sin, gender, sexual orientation, status, fame, failure, whatever, forever. This is what the Holy Spirit has been laying on my heart these last few months, and this is why I want to go. Rick Howerton in his book “A Different Kind of Tribe” expressed my feelings exactly:
Needs Meeting + No Story = Needs Met
BUT
Needs Meeting + Jesus’ Story = Abundant and Eternal Life with Christ
Dude, come on, really, why are you going?
I really mean it. That is why I’m going. If it weren’t so I would join everyone else who is simply traveling the globe for a year. As it is, I feel blessed that God has made me to love those same adventurous experiences. I just feel strongly that he made me that way to serve Him.
So where are you going then?
I’ll be leaving in September on Route 2.
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Japan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe or Botswana, and South Africa
My Route
Is there any way you can send me updates? I want to see how all of this plays out next year.
YES!! OF COURSE!! I’m soooo delighted you asked! On the left side of your screen there is a box that says “Subscribe for Blog Updates”. Just throw your email address in there and click “Subscribe”. You’ll get all of my updates! I really enjoy sharing my stories, so be sure to follow me on an adventure this next year!
One last goodie, here is a video showcasing a few of the countries that the September teams will visit. I will be going to a few of the places mentioned!
