Everyone on my team was asked to write a blog about why exactly we are going on the World Race. At first, I felt uncomfortable and convicted when I was first asked that, which doesn’t make much sense. As I started to reflect on this question, I kept thinking about how I always just say, “Well I feel called. That’s why.” But, there are actually so many reasons why. I feel like the Lord is using this question to expose my truest intentions, and my heart behind all of this. And, that was why I was feeling so weird when asked about it. And again, it still makes no sense as to why I would be feeling that way unless Satan was also using this question, but to tear me down. So, I started to journal about my heart and the Race, and the words began overflowing. There are so many reasons besides feeling called that I am doing the Race. The first thought that came to my mind when I was asked this question was how I wanted so desperately to grow in my walk with the Lord. And yes, I can grow in my walk if I were to stay here, where I am. But, the thing is, I don’t have the community around me like I would if I were to go on the Race. I’m not surrounded constantly by people who are like-minded, loving, encouraging, and challenging who are so on fire for the Lord, that nothing else truly matters. And I want that. Not only that, I want to get the opportunity to pour into others who are broken and lost, and who have never heard the name Jesus. I want to witness miracles and healings. The one’s that you just don’t see in the States, or atleast where I am. All of those things, that I don’t have now, that will bring me so much closer to the Lord than ever before. I am tired of being lukewarm. I am tired of going through the motions. I want change, and growth within myself. So I can be the person who God has truly called me to be. So I can pour into others, wholeheartedly and genuinely.
I want Love. To be everything I am, and everything I give off. To show others that Love is the most important thing.
I want the opportunity to be a vessel for Christ to those who have never even heard of Him. Here in the states, we all have every opportunity to know Christ and be like Christ. We have resources and knowledge of who He is. In so many other countries, they haven’t even heard of Him. They don’t have the opportunities we have, the ones that we so easily take for granted. If I have the chance to be that to someone, to show them Love, to show them who God is, why would I not?
I am going because the World Race is uncomfortable. It’s hard. It’s giving up what I know and am so use to and comfortable with to live out of a backpack for 9 months, wear the same 7 outfits every week, to be with people constantly and not get much of alone time, evangelize to every person you get the chance to, find the positives in negative situations, being grateful when you want to be mad and frustrated. And it’s so much more than just that. I can’t even begin to comprehend what this journey entails. But, I am ready. I am ready to see the Lord do His thang.
I am going because when I have done past mission work, that is when I have felt most alive. Most at peace. Getting to serve others with a smile on your face. Seeing those children’s face light up when you just simply pay attention to them.
The small things like getting the chance to see more of the world- God’s creation’s, be immersed in different cultures, get to experience another’s religion and still be unified because of love and grace, getting to be on one huge adventure. Those are all just the bonuses of doing the Race. I am so grateful for it all. And I am so excited. I hope reading this blog, you have gotten to know me more, and know my heart more. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive to me and so generous. Most importantly, thank you Lord for this life I get to live, for this life that I owe all to You.
