Why?
Why the World Race? Why now, at age 27? Why quit my job and put my career on hold? Why leave my loved ones and everything I hold dear? Why abandon the comforts of my condo to live out of a backpack? Why put myself through the emotional rollercoaster of saying yes to a radical, unconventional year?
Why…?
The answer.. Him.
I’ve asked myself all these questions numerous times and nearly backed out of this 11 month trip before it even began. When I began to evaluate all the “whys” I came to the same conclusion every time. Him. Jesus Christ. I haven’t always put Him first in my life, quite the opposite; I’ve always put Him second. The Lord has taken the back seat to relationships, school, friends, affirmation from the world, money and much more throughout my life. But finally, at age 27, I’m making Him first.
A year ago, I thought my life would look very different than it does right now. My plan was to be happily married and living out the dreams I had created for myself, including a good job, great husband and perfect picture. The Lord had other plans for me. That dream was taken from me and with it went my heart. I was broken and called out to The Lord to take this yoke of pain from me because it was too much to bear. I’ll never forget this day and praying this prayer because my life was never the same. The Lord came. I was given a new perspective and a new sense of worth. I was given peace that passes all understanding and hope that my life could be more than the dreams I had previously limited myself to. I now have a new perspective and new dreams. I dream to go to the world and live the way people outside the United States live. I dream of holding orphans and showing them the love of Jesus Christ that has gotten me through unbearable times in my life. I dream of loving the unlovable and hugging the untouchable, I dream of weeping with those in pain and laughing with those experiencing joy. I dream of living a radical, unbridled life for a year and opening myself up to anything and everything these 11 months could hold. I have new dreams, new hope and a new life now. I couldn’t be happier and more excited for what The Lord has in store for me and I can’t wait to take everyone along with me on this journey.
Why a life out of a backpack for 11 months serving in South America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa?
Because of what He has done for me.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
Romans 5:3-5
