I don’t know about you, but I have always liked to be in control or at the very least have my illusion of control. Committing to the World Race feels very much like how the word, coddiwomple, sounds: a little crazy and not really sure of what it may mean.
Right now, I am in my comfort zone and everything has gone according to plan. I graduated college with honors, worked hard through a few internships, and finally landed my dream job. That was 5yrs ago, and today I am still living the dream as a dolphin trainer and I have the privilege of caring for some amazing animals while making people’s dreams come true every day. To top that, I have an incredible boyfriend of 4yrs, supportive friends and family all whom I love very much.
Rewind, I’ve had it on my heart to do mission work for a while now. In my mind, it was going to be me using my 10 days vacation to go to Guatemala and help out with a kid’s safe house. I found out about the World Race, seemingly randomly, while on vacation last summer. I kept thinking about it so of course I googled it and looked it up on Facebook. 11 Countries in 11 months, wow! I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I started reading blog posts of previous racers and watching YouTube videos. It was fun to think about all the cool places they got to travel to while helping people and all the different cultures. BUT, the more I REALLY thought about it, the more I thought “nahhh… NO way this is too much. First of all, I don’t like change and secondly those countries aren’t even on my top 5 list of places to travel. I think this is for young Christians who just graduated college and don’t have a plan yet. Fun thought, but no thanks”. Weeks rolled by and somewhow there I was, still thinking about it. Someone would say, “Next summer we should do blah…” and I was thinking “if I’m even here next summer” WAIT, WHAT? I couldn’t get it off my mind. So finally, I thought, “Ok God, I will just apply”. I start the application process for the June 2019 route… and guess what… first stop, Guatemala.
I honestly wasn’t sure I would even get accepted, but I DID! I spent the week praying about it and I decided to accept and make my $150 deposit. To be honest, I still wasn’t set on going and was wrestling with myself. What about my dream job that I worked so hard for? I wouldn’t be able to see my friends and family for a year. I didn’t want to miss out. What about my apartment and all my stuff? What about leaving my boyfriend just when things are getting really serious? Those counties could be dangerous. What about flushing toilets? What happens after the Race? I reasoned that I could always back out and I’ll just consider my deposit a donation.
Fast forward, I have now been thinking about the World Race for about 8 months. I have had some unexpected medical problems and setbacks, but here I am still day dreaming about the World Race.
I have no idea what this next year will look like, where I’ll be, or what is in store for me after the Race and that TERRIFIES me, but Lord, here I am trusting you. Send me, Lord, and I will go.
Coddiwomple (v.): To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.
