For a trip nearly two years in the making, the fact that I’m a mere four months from launch is stupefying. I still can’t quite wrap my mind around the journey ahead and all it entails; as well as the ongoing process of planning and preparation that I’m in the thick of now. I can’t express my immense gratitude to all those who have supported me enough. This is your journey and adventure as much as it is mine. I’ve been working diligently to save/prepare for this so I appreciate those of you who have partnered with me.
For anyone else who might be reading this… I understand the hesitancy or skepticism that may run through your mind as you ponder why you should support such a cause. Or, such a person. Believe me, I understand.
But it’s not just me you’re supporting.
I recently had a conversation with a former World Racer who I look up to, and his insight was both startling and enlightening. He helped further open my eyes to the atrocities countless humans encounter daily. This world is boundlessly horrid and the alleviation that the aching and the distressed seek will sadly sometimes never come. I can’t sit by and watch that happen without at least attempting to do something about it. Yes, I love to travel. Yes, I love to do cool, adventurous, and dangerous things. Yes I love to take risks. I love to be wild. I love to meet new people and try new things. There are a lot of things that draw me to the Race. First and foremost: I’m just passionate about making a difference. No, I’m not the prototypical candidate for something like the Race. I’m naturally rebellious and I struggle with a lot. I wrestle with God on more issues than I care to admit. I’m an avid rule breaker. But it doesn’t take perfection to make a difference. It takes initiative. And a community.
I may not be worthy of your time, support, or benevolence. But the people whose lives I wish to change are. The starving and the orphans and the oppressed. The victims of unspeakable violence and those who are fragmented after losing battles to an aggressive, putrid evil that aims to demolish and intoxicate all that is good in this world.
Arms firmly crossed, I sat in disbelief and listened intently to the former Racer tell tales that left my mouth ajar. Story after story, encounter after encounter. And all I could do was smile. The warrior in me comes alive at the chance to fight. Hearing firsthand the things I’ll be fighting against ignited in me an authoritative aggression to which I can’t compare. I just know I sat there ready to fight. Full of adrenaline and ready to battle.
This world is such a wretched place. By no means is America a utopia, but there are places where evil has run rampant without opposition for far too long. I’m going to do something about that. If you feel as passionately as I do about fighting against injustice, then join me in this battle. Your financial support and prayers are much needed and MUCH appreciated, but everyone’s fight looks different. I’m asking you to partner with me on mine, but I really want to inspire you to embark on your own. The world needs more do’ers. More warriors. More dreamers. More leaders. And all those characteristics are innate and alive in us all. We just need to dig deep within to seize the best parts of ourselves.
You can continue to follow the journey to October or donate here the blog (alexmarrs.theworldrace.org). Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support, and as always, adventure on.
