Whenever I meet a new person and they ask me what I’m doing after I graduate, they always expect me to reply with college or university. I’ve turned it into a little game of mine to see their reaction when I say I’m going on a nine month missions trip to three countries. Most have been so positive, and really reaffirm my decision to do this, and the few who seem unsure or even negative about it only remind me to always keep an open mind to all possibilities. There is nothing more heartbreaking than having the people closest to you doubt your ability to do things and follow your dreams.
I’m constantly getting asked, “Aren’t you afraid to leave your family and live in another country for that long??” and told, “Wow good for you! That is going to be really hard.” I like to think that I’m not afraid and that it’s not going to be that hard, but the truth is, I am absolutely terrified. I know it’s going to be incredibly difficult. I don’t like admitting that I am scared, because I feel like this is something I need to always be excited about. One of my mentors recently reminded me that just because we are called to do things doesn’t mean we won’t be scared. Jesus calls us to do crazy terrifying things all the time, but it will ALWAYS be worth it because there is a reason we have been called.
I always have the same two feelings when I think about going on The World Race. I get excited because I know I’m going to meet tons of new people, see many new places, and grow in my relationship with Jesus. Then, I feel this weird sad/anxious feeling because I know that I’ll miss out on things my friends and family are doing back home and I’ll miss them terribly. I told my really good friend that I was feeling that way, and he said “the build up is what’s hard, but then you jump and it’s a free fall of pure bliss.” There’s no doubt I won’t miss everyone back home, but what he said is true. Going on this adventure is something I’ll never regret.
Thank you to everyone who has financially supported me and to everyone who has given me kind words and prayers. I would love to be praying for you as well so if you have any requests, please reach out.
-Megan Roper 🙂
