Here is chapter one of this wild ride you’re about to embark with me. This is the basics. I’ve chosen to ditch all comfort and the safety of certainty. I am abandoning my daily routine, my shallow love for material things, a year of watching my beloved Vikings, and warm showers. My heart has been called by my Father and follow Him I must. At the end of August I am packing up a backpack with a tent as my home and joining a squad of strangers to travel the world for 11 months to share the love of Jesus. My mission is called World Race and I am excited, nervous, scared and joyful. The life I put on pause and the people I cannot wait to return to, have already been major supporters in my decision. I am deeply saddened to be leaving them physically for 11 months but know that my heart is always with them. If you’re still wondering why I would chose to travel with random strangers, live out of a backpack and a $5 a day meal budget in cities of desperate poverty… here’s why.
Loud and clear, like drums banging, the words “okay is not enough” rang through my head one night sitting on the rooftop of my hotel in Ecuador. I had spent that whole night reflecting on my short term mission work that I was participating in during my junior year spring break and asking myself how did it align with my faith. I found myself stuck, a luke-warm christian just itching for more. However, I had plans, plans that included applying to grad school when I got home and finishing off senior year and my internship at a local optometrist office. When I returned home I went straight to work following those plans and it wouldn’t be until a few weeks later when I stumbled upon Matthew chapter 10 verse 8, “…freely you have received, freely give”. The verse paralyzed me and made me think about how much love I have been given and that is was time for me to give some to those that need it most. I continue to read on in Matthew over the weeks about the disciples following Jesus immediately. I paused as Peter doubted Jesus before he found faith in Him. I then read the words from Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it”. Then and there I was certain that my faith was being challenged, God was calling me to something greater, to follow Him fully. He calls us at unexpected times in sometimes small and subtle ways, yet He is calling even if we are not searching. In taking a major leap towards being a follower of Christ, growing my relationship with God, I knew I needed to be obedient to this calling. My faith was stagnant and my life continued to roll forward in days. It was my realization that “just okay” wasn’t enough for me anymore and it wasn’t enough for God.
For the next month I talked with family and one particular close friend that guided me through this process. I applied and before I knew it this fall was accepted into the World Race program. I am so thrilled to be taking part of this experience God has called me on. I am in awe everyday on how He has already moved my heart and cannot wait for the lessons and miracles I have yet to witness. I understand that in my months to come I will endure some of the most challenging obstacles I have ever faced but I know how rewarding it will be in the end.
As I continue this process and journey I plan to blog what the Lord has put on my heart. Once I get to the field I will share my experiences and update you with my ministries. As for now, in these preparation months, I ask you to keep me and my squad in your prayers. I hope you subscribe to my blog to get new blog updates automatically, which you can do at rachelosmundson.theworldrace.org and if you are able and willing, donate to my mission. If you have any questions you would like to ask regarding my journey or more extensive details on why I decided to go feel free to email me at [email protected] and I am happy to talk!
Much love & many blessings,
Rachel
