There are times in life we have to make those big, life changing decisions. The ones that can change the trajectory of our future. For me, all of my decisions have been easily made up to this point.
After high school, I knew I would go to college.
After college, I pursued a masters degree.
Now what…
I feel blessed I was able to easily make these important choices in life, but now I am faced with the next big step. The next event to alter my trajectory as I enter the “real world”.
During my final year of graduate school the answer was always, find a good job you can see yourself growing professionally; hopefully in a location I wanted to start building a life in. This seemed like the next logical step.
Up to this point I have made my big decisions off of what I thought I had to do next. Not to say they were wrong or I regret them, but if I look back, I know I approached them with a sense of duty instead of true desire.
I value education and growth and know I am blessed to have received what I have thus far; but for the first time I decide to step back and look at what I want out of life.
When I paused and took inventory on my life, I saw I was accomplishing the goals I set for myself, but I wasn’t all in the areas that fulfill me the most.
In high school I was able to go on two medical mission trips with my mother. At an early age, these sparked a love for mission and caring for others. Since then I have pursued a degree in an allied health profession, but I couldn’t help but feel as though something was missing.
I know I loved to travel, but I wanted it to be worthwhile. Experiencing a new culture is amazing, but I didn’t want to just go and see the beauty the world holds, but immerse myself in the culture it has to offer. I wanted to see the real parts of the “real world”.
With no plan in mind, just a desire in my heart, I began searching for year long trips. Not sure if I would find something medical or religiously based, I stumbled upon The World Race and immediately felt drawn to it.
I could easily see myself going to these countries and helping the ones who need it most. I felt a sense of urgency looking at blogs and social media posts from those currently on the race.
This was not an easy decision, but one I struggle with for some time. Like I said before, it did not align with the logical plan I had been following for 24 years.
After discussing this opportunity with those I deem wiser than myself, I realized something…
It doesn’t have to make sense.
Should I raise thousands of dollars, spend hundreds in preparation, and leave everything I know to go to 11 countries, not knowing what awaits me?
The answer may depend on who you ask.
For me, I feel an overwhelming calling to go on The World Race. Although there are times the weight of those 11 countries feels like too much, I have never been more excited.
I am not one to welcome change easily, and yet, I have an incredible peace about this experience. I look at the amount of money I need to fundraise and instead of anxiety, I feel excited to see how God will provide in the coming months. I read blogs of current racers and grow more eager to have my own experiences.
Most of all, I can’t want to see the change that results from this.
This is one of those big decisions, the ones that change the trajectory of your life. My hope is to not only see a positive change in mine, but more importantly those I come into contact with. I believe God has blessed me with this opportunity and I can’t wait to see that path he has laid out for me in the next year.
