“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
As I am coming upon a month of deciding to embark on this journey, I’ve been asked “why” more than anything else. There has not been one life decision I’ve made that has been questioned more than my decision to Serve for nine months through the World Race- Gap Year. At first thought I want to answer with “WHY NOT? Why wouldn’t you leave all your earthly possessions and comforts to serve for a greater good?” Then it hits me- Many people don’t think that packing five outfits, a tent, a sleeping bag and a camera into a backpack and living with just that for nine months can be done. Most people don’t want lice, parasites, dirty feet, hot nights and freezing days. Some cannot imagine being thousands of miles away from their family for 9 Months! No one wants to be broken down to their weakest point. So I suppose my response of “Why not” is not justified so I’ve been stumbling over words to find the right answers for everyone and I’ve finally found it. For me, the response to lice, five outfits, dirty feet and all that is : BRING IT ON. Why would you want any of that Juliette?
Here is why.
A month ago I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I wanted to help others and touch lives. For the longest time that seemed like a strong enough answer to stand alone but I wasn’t really stepping outside my comfort zone to impact the lives of others in fact, I was doing the opposite I was staying safe, clean and comfortable. I’ve recently felt greater calling and that is to let go of all my personal struggles, leave my possessions, forget what I know and Give. My “Why” is because I want to serve, impact lives and share the love God has for me with those who have yet to experience it. Sacrificing my comfort of a warm bed, plenty of clothing, clean water and the lack of parasites is the least I can do to show my gratitude for a God who gave his only Son for me and my selfish sins. In the book of John it speaks of Jesus carrying the cross, the crucifixion and how Jesus died for our sins. How could I not want to serve in His glorious image? John 19:17 “They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.” … “Bearing His own cross”. This discomfort and sacrifice was to give an undying love, forgiveness and teaching to us all. So my discomfort of 5 outfits, a sleeping bag for a bed and lice is nothing in comparison to the GREAT and ultimate sacrifice. So through these discomforts I hope to bring light to those in dark places, love on those who need it most and above all – Teach of an Almighty God. So in ways, I’m carrying my own cross. There will be pain, struggles and bad times but for the end result I can bring to other people is what makes it all seem worth it.
So while my answer can take many turns about the travels of the world, seeing beautiful sights, learning new cultures, playing with cute children, teaching English, walking miles with my new found brothers and sister or trying ice cream around the world. The “WHY” above it all is to serve as Jesus served and give my all for those who need my all. Bring it on August 2016 – I am ready to be broken down and re-made in His image.
So, How will you carry your cross?
Help me carry my personal cross by supporting me through financial donations, prayer and keeping my team and I in your thoughts!
