But… why?
You heard a little bit about my decision in the video above, but here’s a bit more about why I am going on the World Race!
I first heard about the World Race at the beginning of 2017. I was in the midst of working on my Senior Thesis, struggling with health issues, and panicking about what to do post-graduation. When I heard about the World Race, it really excited me, but it also seemed so far beyond my reach. I can’t do the World Race when I’m about to graduate college and be broke! I can’t do the World Race when I’m having major joint issues where I need painkillers just to get out of bed! So I didn’t apply. I put it on the backburner.
I graduated college, worked at a coffee shop and did some wedding photography for a month and then got a call from one of my old professors asking if I would come work for her on contract at a production company. I jumped at the opportunity – working for one of my favorite professors seemed like an easy decision! And, it has been easy. It’s been really nice working for her because of the great relationship we have and the relationships I’ve built at work. But it also helped me realize something: I’m not meant to be a producer. This is not what I want out of life. So, what do I want? Enter the World Race again. It was tugging at my heart, but I was terrified.
I had so many excuses as to why I shouldn’t go. What if I just wanted to go because I love to travel? What if I’m just being restless and reckless because I don’t love my job? What if my family doesn’t approve? How can I pay for everything? Am I even well enough to go on a trip like this? What if my MCTD flares up? In order to figure out exactly what God wanted me to do – I fasted. I took a day to fast and really pray, dig into the Word and meditate on what Holy Spirit was calling me to. Then He showed me Acts 16:6-10:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
Paul attempted to go to several places on mission, but Lord prevented him each time because it was not where he was meant to go. At this point of my fast, I could hear Holy Spirit screaming at me, “JUST TRY”. He was telling me to try, and see what He says! I figured, if this process was good enough for Paul, it’s good enough for me! God will keep me from this if it’s not where I’m meant to go – so I took the leap. I applied that week and prayed for my heart to be content with whatever Lord gives me. I want to be reliant solely on His plan and not my own.
“And above all, you must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling.”
– C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
God is showing me right now that this is the true door. I could travel to other countries for less money than I will spend on this experience. I could stay at my job and get hired full-time and have a steady income. I could live in fear of my MCTD and let it limit me. I could allow all my insecurities and selfish pride keep me from taking any risks – but where is the life in that?
I want life to the fullest, in fact, I choose it.
grace + peace
Emma Williams
Thanks so much for reading my first World Race blog post!! If this touched you or if you feel like you want to support me on this journey – please consider subscribing and/or donating, one time or monthly, to my mission. Click on the “Donate!” button on this page – it helps a lot and I’d love for you to partner with me in spreading good around the world!
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