Life is a journey, and each one is an adventure. Every adventure is a chance to embrace the unexpected, risk ancient tales, and gain new perspectives. In this big adventure called life, I am fascinated by the many crossroads and landmarks that make up this adventure. I want to hear of that dangerous hot pursuit, from the scorch of a chili pepper in Peru, to the sizzle of the desert sun in the Sahara. Better yet, I want to live it!
The first time I flew on a plane, I was ten years old, traveling with my family from my home country Zambia, to the United States of America. I had always dreamed of being on a plane, flying up high in the sky, across borders and oceans, ready to see a land unknown. With a dad who often traveled, I’d look forward to his arrival, pointing to every plane I saw in the sky saying, “Look! There is daddy”. I would anxiously wait to see him, ready to hear of his adventure and see what gifts he brought home. Deep in my heart, I knew one day that would be me.
Today, I can say I have checked five countries off the map. And in the next year, I am hoping to triple that list. Just recently, as I was going through an old box with keepsakes of mine, I came across a Christmas gift I received 7 years ago. It was a blank photo album from a dear aunt of mine. In it was a note from her that said, “Merry Christmas beautiful. Use this to save pictures of all your travels :).” A big smile lit up my face as I said, “That’s exactly what I’ll do.” My dream of traveling the world is stronger today than it was then.
Initially, when I started my college studies, I wanted to become an international lawyer—the fun type of lawyer who gets to travel, learn new languages, and help people in different countries. However, with time came more clarity on my passions, skills, and interests, and therefore, I dropped the “lawyer” title. Still I promised myself that whatever career choice I made, it would involve traveling to third world countries to better the lives of children and their families. With the knowledge that grad school was around the corner, I asked God for clarity on what to study. I wished that there was a way I could first travel to some of those countries, serve the people there, and get a clear picture of what it is they need from me; I wanted to understand what role I was to play in their lives. I considered the Peace Corps, but something told me that wasn’t it. There was something else. I just didn’t know what.
Early January 2015, there sitting in my Facebook inbox was my answer. A friend wrote to me saying she was about to embark on this world race, on which they would spend 11 months volunteering in 11 countries. She was asking for a $11 donation from her family and friends, a dollar for each country, to help sponsor her adventure in missions. I read through her message and clicked on the link to her blog to find out more about this program. While I jumped from tab to tab on the website, all that came out of my mouth was “Yes, yes, yes!” This was it! The answer to my prayers: The World Race.
The program sat in the back of my mind for 22 months, as I kept up with travel blogs from different racers. November 12, two days after my 21st birthday, with much prayer and thought, I submitted my application to Adventures in Missiona. A month later, I received news: I was accepted! Seven months from today lies an adventure that my tale wants to tell. It is my pursuit of happiness, joy of exploration, promise of discovery, and prospect of change. It is a dream brought to life that I cannot let pass me by. In preparation for this adventure, I ask that you join me. Join me as I stroll through the hope filled streets of Ghana, climb the sun-scorched mountains of Nepal, and drink from the eternal spring of Guatemala. Let’s go sit with lepers and taste the mouth-watering food of India, sing the good news as we walk through the wilds of Ivory Coast, ride across the island of Belize to catch the sunrise in Cambodia. Let’s cool off in Laos, get close to nature in Thailand, hike volcanoes in El Salvador to let the people know the Savior has risen, and spread lava (love) in Nicaragua. The name of every person that helps sponsor my adventure in missions will be written on my travel backpack as a reminder that you are there with me in spirit. Throughout the race, I will also be sure to keep everyone updated through videos, blogs, and pictures that can easily be accessed. I want you to see what difference you’re making. I’m excited for this adventure! Are you?
Look out for my next blog to find out about my experience with service and missions.
