hey guys!!
I’m excited to announce a change in my launch date. I am now leaving in January 2017 and will return December 2017. I decided to leave three months later to give me more time to fundraise and spend more time with friends and family since I haven’t been home for the Holidays in two years! With that said, my route has changed to the following 11 countries;
India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa. CRAZY!!
The last two weeks I have had multiple people ask me why on earth I want to do the World Race. I have received questions like, why do you want to be a nomad? What are you going to do when you get back? Why don’t you get a career started and make money before you are 30? Aren’t you scared to travel through those dangerous countries? You have to raise how much? Isn’t it going to be hard asking people for money?
It’s interesting because four years ago I would have never considered leaving my corporate job and security in Dallas to go live with bugs and only a backpack. Traveling the world has always been a dream of mine. For those of you who know me, you know I love to travel. I love meeting new people and I have always wanted to see the world.
Three years ago, Jesus began to awaken my heart and moved my desires in His direction. That’s when my life started changing. My reasons for traveling started changing, there was a PURPOSE. That’s when those questions that I use to wonder about missionaries were answered and I realized, I want to be them. I want to make a difference. So, I cried out to God to use me, break me and shake me.
So, here we go, here are my answers to some of the questions:
– Yes, I am scared of the unknown. I would totally be lying if I said no, never.
– Yes, I am scared to ask people to help fund my trip.
– Yes, I think about my future.
– Yes, being a nomad isn’t ideal especially when I have already tasted a life of security and comfort.
– Yes, I am scared of traveling to dangerous countries.
YES, YES, YES, I think about these questions all the time! I ask myself, what the heck are you doing Jordan? You love Texas, your friends, clothes, Mexican food, outdoor patios and air-conditioning. God, are you sure you want to send me on this mission? Are you sure I AM cut out for this, cause you know I’m going to freak out when I see my first hairy spider crawling around my tent.
BUT, through all of these fears and doubt there is a much bigger part of me that cant wait to be put to the test. I’m already feeling challenged just starting to fundraise. It’s a HUGE test in faith to have so much out my control and solely rely upon the Lord.
I look back on the last 15 years of my life and think about all the trials and tribulations I have faced and the gifts God has given me to share my story and help others facing the same experiences. I want to use my life to glorify His kingdom, to give people hope that there is a God who knows exactly where you are and what you are going through. God has been equipping me for this journey an is teaching me every day to let go of my controlling tendencies and let Him lead.
Sunday evening, as I was driving home from my bible study, I had a full-blown meltdown. I started crying uncontrollably thinking about how difficult the last seven months of my life have been. Then I began thinking about the next season of my life and the uncomfortable feeling of fundraising and relying on other people to feel my same excitement about this trip and the insecurities that come with that. So, while driving down Interstate 75 I asked God to give me a bible verse to repeat every time I feel unworthy or doubtful. That’s when Hebrews 11:1 popped in to my mind,
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
I felt a sense of peace flood my heart. I’ve heard that bible verse a million times throughout my life, but it has never resonated as much as it did in that moment. I am SURE that God will provide me with the desires of my heart and I am CERTAIN that He will provide everything I need for this trip.
If you feel lead, please prayerfully consider supporting this mission God has called me on. Stay tuned for more blog posts and fun announcements throughout the preparation process!
Thanks for reading my thoughts and don’t forget to subscribe to my page for updates!
Jordan
