It has been over a year since my acceptance into the World Race. Although there have been many changes, the most significant I can think of has been my attitude and mindset approaching my launch date.
With only 100 days until launch, I wanted to dedicate this blog post to answer the many questions I have received since my acceptance, update my supporters with my progress, and finally, lay out a list of prayer requests I have as I enter a new season of preparation for a life of full-time missions.
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UPDATES:
- I have postponed my launch date from January 2017 to August 2017.
- I have graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2016 with a BS in Agricultural Leadership and Development with a minor in International Agricultural Development.
- I have a new route with a new squad.
- I have acquired my internal frame backpack and my tent with which I will be sleeping in for the entirety of my time on the World Race.
- I am currently living in Austin, Texas – working as a substitute teacher for AISD and as a part-time babysitter.
- I will be attending Training Camp with my squad June 7th-17th in Gainesville, GA to prepare for the World Race.
- I will be working at Camp Longhorn in Burnet, Texas from June 18th – July 8th.
- Launch will be August 3rd or 4th, 2017.
FAQ’s:
One of the most frequently asked questions I have gotten since I have been accepted to the World Race has been, “Wow, 11 months is a long time. Aren’t you scared?”
– The truth is: NO. I am not scared. Nervous? Absolutely! Excited? Beyond my wildest dreams! But, scared? No way. The thought of being gone from everyone I know and love for 11 months is quite daunting at times. However, I am not scared for my health or my safety, and quite frankly, my family and friends should not be either.
One of the most incredible things I have learned while preparing for the World Race has been learning to let go of control. That’s not to say I am not being smart about receiving all of my vaccinations (which I will go into detail about later) or making sure I have been being financially responsible, but letting go of fear and learning to pray for God’s will to ultimately be done allows the creator of the universe to steer my heart and guide my thoughts.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Do you know what countries you will be going to? Are you looking forward to one in particular?
– This is an easy one. YES! I do know!
India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia.
– Honestly, I am super stoked about all of them. However, it is definitely on my bucket list to ride a motorcycle/scooter through Hanoi. (Yes, just like the UK Top Gear Vietnam Special)
Where will you be sleeping/staying?
– Also easy, in my tent. I will be carrying my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and the rest of my gear in my internal frame backpack all year. One bag, 11 months. (Good thing I’m a small person, right?)
How many shots do you have to get?
– Well, I will tell you it is different for everyone. This is something I had to do a significant amount of research on. I didn’t want to waste money on shots I did not need. At the same time, I wanted to make sure I would stay healthy and protected while I am gone. Being up to date on all your required vaccines is SUPER important. When I scheduled my appointment with my Passport Health nurse, she informed me that my tetanus and my meningococcal vaccines were both almost expired. So, not only did I spend lots of time on the CDC website making sure I had the right vaccines, but it also turned out I needed some pretty basic routine vaccines as well.
So far, I have received my tetanus, meningococcal, yellow fever, and typhoid fever vaccines. The only vaccine I have left to receive is my Japanese Encephalitis shots (it requires two rounds of shots within 28 days of each other). With typhoid, I had the choice of getting a shot, which lasts for two years or taking an oral, live vaccine* every other day for a week, which lasts for five years at the same price. I chose the five-year route.
*However, I will say for people with an active lifestyle, be careful choosing this option. Not only do you have to take it at the exact same time every other day, and keep the vaccine refrigerated the whole time, but you also have to be aware of the times you are eating before and after you take it. This means you are definitely required to plan meals ahead of time.
What gear do you have left to buy?
– I still need to purchase:
- my sleeping bag (about $260) and my sleeping bag liner (about $60)
- my day pack (about $100) and my sling (about $50)
- a headlamp (about $35)
- packing cubes
- a waterproof sack for my valuables
- a large quick dry towel
- a pocket shower (about $30)
- travel size first aid kit (about $15)
Will you have access to wi-fi?
– This is a tricky one. So, I will say Yes and No. The reason being, we have no idea what kind of access we will have to wi-fi until we arrive in country. Some places that are more modern and urbanized will have wi-fi cafes or shops to purchase wi-fi sticks/cards. Others, however, will not.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
As of right now, I have a few very specific prayer requests –
- For my squad as we prepare for training camp: to bond with each other, to open our hearts, to find peace and comfort in places we least expected, to approach change with positive attitudes, to release fear and anxiety of the unknown.
- For my finances and plans: to have faith in God’s provision in all aspects of my future.
- For rest: as my launch date approaches, to take advantage of resting in order to energize myself for a life of full-time missions.
If you have any questions I did not answer on my blog, or would like to reach out to me in some way, please feel free to email me: [email protected]
