As I sat down to write my first blog it hit me that I was doing this from the comfort of my home; something that I should soak up, but not get used to. January is going to come sooner than I think and I’ll be updating y’all from some part of some country I’ve never been to (I don’t know whether to hyperventilate from excitement or nerves). Wowza, 11 different countries in 11 months.. this is gonna get interesting!
But in all actuality I don’t think it’s fully sank in just yet. It probably won’t until the day I’m getting onto my first international flight with a group of amazing individuals, ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime. Reminds me of my first day of college, or moving cross-country to live closer to my nephews in Oklahoma – it just wasn’t real until the day it was happening.
So, how did we get here?
Although I emphatically said “yes!” immediately after receiving the call offering me a spot on the Race, the road to get here has been a long one. I was once asked on an interview, “What have you done to prepare for this position?” Being young and inexperienced at that time, I proudly responded with all the research I had done about that company. It wasn’t until much later when I was going through interviews for police and highway patrol positions that the true meaning behind that question hit me – What life experiences, books, advice given in my life, volunteer efforts, sport philosophies, family situations, morals, beliefs helped ready me for a position with the department? The same question (along with so many others) came to mind when I was applying for the World Race. But as soon as I read what it was all about, I knew every moment had been leading up to this one. I knew that the Lord had been calling me to fulfill His purpose through me…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved helping people. My dad was bed ridden for a year after back surgery when I was about 7 or 8 years old. At that time, it was just him & I living together so, you can imagine a single father not being able to move out of his bed with a kid to take care of. It quickly became my job to cook and clean, make him lunch for when I was gone at school, and do some light grocery shopping.* I think this is where it all developed – I was good at helping people and I liked it; this was my purpose. I had no idea how significant those moments in my life would be in shaping the person I’d become. I believe God calls us to wear many different hats throughout our lives, and don’t get me wrong because I definitely didn’t know I was called to wear this hat more often than not. This walk in my faith has been a crazy, hot-mess train just waiting to come off the tracks. Luckily, God didn’t let it.
He called to my restless heart saying, “HEY! I made you this way – perfectly imperfect; with a gypsy spirit, a big heart, and a firm outlook on life. You are not a transient. You are not unwelcome. You are not useless. The abilities I gave you to adapt and be compassionate towards others were purposeful and intentional. You were meant to reach out to people in places that will test your mind and your faith because I made you strong and resilient.”
About time I listened, don’t ya think??So, please join me in this adventure. Whether that means bookmarking my blog to see the cool pictures and read more of my crazy stories, stop to say a prayer for me, or perhaps compelled to help support my efforts. Regardless, I’d love to have you along the way!
Much love,
Paige
*Note: For those freaking out: Yes, there were adults popping in from time to time to help out and check on my dad and me. For the most part though, and you can ask my dad if you’re skeptical of my memory, it was just him & I figuring that whole year out.
