We are 30 days away from Launch
I have sold almost everything I own and figured out a place to keep the rest.
My parents are taking care of my dog, Lucy.
All my equipment has been purchased.
I’ve completed all my vaccinations.
My last day at work is in a few short weeks.
We arrive in Atlanta, GA on January 3rd for more training and we will leave for Colombia a few days later.
I am still taking it all in that this is really happening. February 2018 I was accepted to The World Race and have been preparing for this ever since.
Before training camp I was filled with doubt on whether this was really what God wants me to do or if I was doing it out of my desire to see the world and travel.
During Training Camp God spoke to me in more ways than one. He provided confirmation that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. He told me that my desire to see the world was one that he gave me and my calling to serve others will be practiced daily over the next year and well beyond that.
Training Camp was a week and a half full of learning, joy, tears, and realization. God showed me what a positive and loving community looks like. My squad is amazing, they are kind, full of grace and love, and they genuinely care for each other in a way that exemplify’s God. During Training Camp we got to worship for hours a day, listen to amazing Adventures in Missions leaders, and be vulnerable with each other. Training Camp broke me in the best way, and if that experience is anything like what we will experience over the next year we are going to have a wild, crazy, and joyous ride.
During Training Camp we were given our team that we will be spending the first 4-5 months with on the race, my teams name is Papoula Fogo, fire poppy in Portuguese.
We chose this name based off of the verse, Matthew 15: 13 – He replied “Every plant that my Heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted.” We were given this verse as a team.
Fire Poppy’s are beautiful plants that are found in places that have recently burned. God is burning away our sin and shame and growing beautiful things in its place.
My team is built up of 5 amazing women that I have the privilege of growing alongside on this journey and well beyond the year 2019. We will experience hardship, see each other every hour of every day, but we will love each other unconditionally. We will seek to understand when we do not agree, we will be quick to listen and slow to speak, and we will open our arms to each other and build each other up daily.
Aleesa Byrne
Aleesa has a beautiful soul and seeks to know everyone she is around on a deep level. She is patient and kind, being in her presence is easy and full of joy.
Ashley Smith
Ashley is so full of peace and wisdom. She is kind to all those around her and always puts others before herself. She cares for others in a way that is pure and without expectation.
Lauren Bell
Lauren is honest and boldly follows the Lord in everything she does. Lauren will tell you what you need to hear just at the right time and I always felt comfortable when in her presence.
McKenzie Murdock
McKenzie has an amazing personality, just a couple days in to Training Camp we were able to spend time together and share our stories. Her strength is undeniable and she walks in grace and understanding.
Tabitha Simmons
Tabitha is patient, slow to speak, and will be an amazing leader for our team. Tabitha has a colorful personality and it is so fun to be with her. You can see and feel her love for the Lord in the way she speaks to and serves others.
Thank you for reading the blog and for supporting me through this journey. God is going to do amazing things through this team and our squad. If you haven’t already, I ask that you consider subscribing for my blog by clicking the “subscribe for updates” button. This way you will receive a notification each time a blog is posted on my page.
Love you all!
Julie Watson
