Some of you might be wondering how in the entire world I came to the decision to leave everyone and everything behind and said yes to this journey of 11 countries in 11 months.
I am always awestruck reflecting on how Jesus is constantly moving and working
Two years ago I made the decision to move back home with my parents. I had been living on my own since graduating college, working as a flight attendant, and even though I was no longer in school I was still living the college lifestyle. After a couple of years, two moves, and one career change, this all came to an abrupt stop when circumstances arose and I could no longer afford to support myself or the lifestyle financially. Moving back home at 27 years old, I was obviously disappointed, frustrated, and overall felt defeated.
Jesus is constantly moving
Being removed from my core group of friends who either lived in town or had moved to other parts of Houston, I was desperately seeking community. Within the first few months of being home I could feel the pull to attend my hometown church, Community of Faith (COF). After years of not putting God first, and ignoring the plan he had for my life, I could feel Him pulling fiercely at my heart. Sitting by myself in a Saturday night service, I made the decision to lay down everything, every single aspect of my life at the feet of Jesus. Giving Him complete control.
Jesus is Faithful
With a renewed faith, and a new community pouring into me, my life began to drastically change, and I began to feel my soul come alive. Okay, okay, I know, but you’re thinking, WHAT ABOUT THE RACE? So, I actually first learned of the Race by scrolling through social media, and thought it looked incredible, but not realistic or attainable. Someone like me would never be able to do this, right? I’m 29 years old, I had just started a new job that I loved, I do not have experience in ministry, so why would God show this to me and choose me? So I tried to brush it off. But, because God is so cool and faithful, that definitely did not happen. My research became intense and the more I learned of The World Race, my doubt lessened and excitement built. Within weeks of first hearing about this race, l also learned that one of my new friend’s who I had met through COF had gone on The World Race.
Okay God, you’re showing me this once in a lifetime experience, and then you bring me a new best friend who has been on this once in a lifetime experience, who would be able to guide me, support me, and encourage me…?!
If there was still any doubt that this is what He was calling me to, it was all swept away during one conversation. While hearing my friend’s story, Jesus showed me moments throughout my life where He had been pulling me to international mission, but at that time my heart wasn’t open and I wasn’t ready. Now I understand why, because His plans are always in the perfect timing. There was no more doubt, I knew this is it, this is what you’ve been waiting for, and this is what He’s calling you to do.My decision to go on The World Race was solidified while I was on mission in Nicaragua this past October. Experiencing international mission for the first time left me in complete awe of His glory, and certain this is the path I am called to.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
My Route: August 2018
CENTRAL AMERICA
Month 1 – August- Panama
Month 2 – September-Costa Rica
Month 3- October- Nicaragua
Month 4- November-Honduras
AFRICA
Month 5 – December- Malawi
Month 6- January-Zambia
Month 7- February-Zimbabwe
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Month 8- March- Cambodia
Month 9- April-Thailand
Month 10- May- Indonesia
Month 11- June-Malaysia
