I was recently in Chiang Mai, Thailand for PVT. PVT stands for, Parent Vision Trip. This is a time when parents of racers are allowed to come on the field with them. To see how much their child has grown, do ministry with them, and to catch up on life. I had such a wonderful time with my parents in Thailand and my heart was so full. I got to learn from my parents as they learned from me, fill them in on life, and do ministry alongside them.
One great thing that happened during PVT was giving the racers an opportunity to share with all the parents what we’ve learned so far on the race. And I would like to share with you ??
The world race is something I never imagined myself doing. I thought the ideal world racer had to be outgoing, adventurous, an extrovert, and would be the first in line to preach in front of a crowd. I am shy, not adventurous, an introvert, and I hate public speaking. So I quickly told myself that the world race wasn’t for me. But the world race continued to be on my heart, and the desire grew and grew. And that’s when I knew the Lord wanted me to do this, because I really didn’t.
Once I got accepted, I went to training camp where I met all my squamates who will be with me during this journey. Training camp is designed to get the racer excited about the world race, it actually did the opposite for me. I got to training camp and met everyone. The majority of my squad are extroverts so I quickly felt like fish out of water. I didn’t feel like I fit in and wasn’t making friends as fast as everyone else was. I didn’t like that I was shy. I didn’t like that I was an introvert. Why couldn’t I fit in and be like everyone else? I started second guessing myself and was thinking of not going through with the world race. That night during worship, I laid everything down before the Lord. I was asking Him, why he chose me? Out of all the people He could have chosen, why me? And why the world race? I started second guessing myself and doubting because I was scared and knew I would be 100% out of my comfort zone. He answered me that night. He said, “Karrie, I called you to this, but I didn’t say it would be easy.” And that’s the clarity I needed and knew I was supposed to do this. So I gave Him my “yes” and started sharing and fundraising for this mission trip. I kept getting told, “Wow Karrie, you’re going to change the world.” Something that I have learned is: I’m not changing the world, the world is changing me. I have learned so much from the people I’ve met in each country, from my squamates, and from strangers.
One of the main themes the Lord has been teaching me on my world race is to accept myself for who I am. During my childhood, I struggled with accepting who I am. I am adopted and grew up around Caucasian kids. I only grew up around 1-2 Asian kids. I went through a phase where I wanted to fit in and be like everybody else. And anything that was different about me, I started to dislike. I didn’t like being Chinese. I didn’t like being different. Once I got older I just dealt with it because there was nothing I could do about it, but I didn’t accept it. I didn’t like when people would point me out because I was different.
Since being on the world race, the Lord has definitely worked on my heart on this matter. I have learned to be more confident in my own skin. The Lord made me how I am for a reason. There have been people I have been able to reach that others wouldn’t have because I am the way I am. I’ve gone to several countries and people notice that I’m different (because I’m with a group of Caucasians, lol). Then they get curious when a Chinese girl starts speaking English. They approach me and start asking me questions. And that is my bridge where I get to share the Good News with them. I don’t think I would have had as many opportunities sharing with them if I wasn’t different. I love being different. I love people being curious because I am different and getting to share my testimony and the Lord’s love with them.
Another thing I’ve learned is how powerful our testimonies are. I love sharing my testimony because I get to show the Lord’s goodness. Everyone has had difficult times in their life. And some people try to hide it because they’re ashamed or embarrassed. I’ve learned that through our brokenness, is where we are able to reach others. They are able to relate to our brokenness which makes us more “approachable”. Talking about my struggles in the past and connecting with others because of it is a beautiful thing. Never be ashamed or embarrassed of your testimony because you never know who you’d be able to reach because of it.
That’s all for now. Until next time(:
Yours in Christ,
Karrie
