I’ll keep this simple. This particular post is written as if it were an interview. We will call the interviewer Nathaniel, and I will be Eli.
Nathaniel: Hello and good morning to our fans of the World Race. This morning I have the great privilege of interviewing Eli Olson. We’ll ask him some questions about his passions, fears, and some crazy experiences he has had, plus much more. Very excited about this interview! Good morning Eli, and thank you for joining us all the way from Germany! Quite a ways from home right now!
(Small chuckles from audience, Nathaniel interlocks his fingers as he relaxes in the over sized white studio chair.)
Eli: Thank you, Nathaniel, for having me this morning. And yes, I am quite a ways from home right now. But I have really enjoyed Atlanta with all its’ very welcoming people all over.
Nathaniel: I’m glad you’re enjoying the people, Eli. Let’s start off with some questions. How old are you and how long have you lived in Germany? Why did you move to Germany? Who were you with? Was this move for missions work?
Eli: Well, I am 21 years old. I have been living in Germany for the last three years but have lived in Germany for a total of eight years. We first moved in 2007 when I was 12 and left when I was 17 in 2012, then came back for a second tour in 2014. We moved to Germany for my dad’s job. He has had the privilege of working for the Air Force and got assigned in Germany. So, no it wasn’t for missions work. My whole family was — and still is — in Germany. I’m the oldest of four kids. Three boys and one girl.
Nathaniel: Wow! Eight years in Germany. Almost half your growing up years was overseas. That’s incredible. Alrighty, next question. Now this question is a little deeper. However, I’m sensing that our audience this morning is excited to hear — what are you passionate about?
(Cheers from audience)
Eli: (laughing) Sounds like a plan Nathaniel. When I was ten-years old, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Now being older I love to ask young kids what they want to be because their answers are so full of life. There are no limits to what they want to be. Everything from a brain surgeon to a dinosaur or fire truck. Not sure how the latter two will work out. (Laughter from audience).
So, I had the dream of being in the military, doing the hardest thing possible, and taking out the bad guys. I would lie awake at night reading books about the special forces and the dangerous missions they undertook. My heart pounded at the thought of being the person who saved a village or rescued the princess.
Of course, whoever I told would smile gently and pat my back telling me I could be whoever I wanted to be. I grew with excitement and continued to dive deeper into the passion of doing extremely hard things and saving people. Pushing past normal human limits physically and mentally. As I grew older my passion for saving lives deepened into a vision for seeing justice being provided for people who could not protect themselves.
When I turned 18 I had the chance to sign up for the hardest thing I knew, US Navy SEALs. I remember going and talking with the Navy recruiter about all the things I had read. Telling him things that he already knew, him smiling, knowing I was another wannabe tough guy. But there was more behind carrying a gun or rolling through the mud. There was an enemy out there taking what was not theirs to take.
As time drew closer for me to start signing papers, my life started to change. My family was moving back to Germany and I had the choice between going to BUD/S, moving back to Germany with my family, or going to the International ALERT Academy. This was a time in my life where I prayed almost by the minute everyday! After lots of prayer and guidance, I went to the International ALERT Academy for six months.
Fast forward to now, I have the chance to be apart of saving lives. To have some incredible experiences. And my passion for bringing justice and saving lives is at the highest point it has ever been with it continuing to grow.
Nathaniel: Eli, I can feel your passion radiating over to me and most likely this audience! It gets me fired up to do more. Your love for justice is palpable. Thank you for sharing. Well let’s continue with just a couple more questions. Why did you choose to embark on this World Race? What are you doing in your life right now?
Eli: To be honest I had no huge intentions to go on the Wold Race. In fact when I was about 15 my mom told me about it. Of course I was to young to go so it faded from my thoughts. Then about a month ago a friend was praying for me and had an idea come to her mind. She came over to our house and shared that she thought I should look into the World Race. I did and thought well, I have no idea what could come of this but why not.
About a month ago I had reached a point where I didn’t have any clear direction on where I should go. The military maybe? Or move back to Washington? So I saw the World Race as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and do something beyond myself.
Then, as the process for everything started I received confirmations that the World Race is what I need to do. It was also fitting with a handful of prophecies that had been spoken over me a year ago. I’m excited to see what God does in my life and my teams lives as we uncover the amazing stories from people around the world.
Right now I am a swim instructor/trainer. I love seeing kids and adults overcome fears and pushing to new physical goals. I hope to one day create a business where I train people to reach peak physical and mental toughness.
Nathaniel: Sounds like God has some fun things planned for you on this trip. Well Eli, thank you so much for joining us today. It was a pleasure talking with you and getting to know a little about yourself. Now for the audience, Eli is raising money for this trip and needs our help. He needs to raise…(looks to Eli)
Eli: $18,617 by August 1st
Nathaniel: While this may seem like a big number, God has no limits and this is chump change to him. If you think about it only 18 people need to donate $1,000 and he will be set! As always lots of prayer for guidance and peace as Eli encounters stories, circumstances, and challenges that will grow his character. Thank you again Eli and enjoy your trip home!
If you would like to donate click the donate tab at the top of the post or go to this link:
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=partFund
