When I first considered going on a long-term mission trip, I figured it would be at the right time. You know, the time in my life when I had reached a place in my career that was stagnant. The time in between undergrad and grad school. The time when I was figuring out who I was and who I wanted to be.
Funny how life works. I’m at a time where I love my job and the kids that I coach hold a special place in my heart. I live in an amazing apartment that is walking distance to the beach. I have a large community of amazing friends and family around me. I have an amazing church that has introduced me to some lifelong friends. I never want to leave. And yet.
This trip has been on my heart for almost 7 years. As soon as I heard about it I knew I was supposed to go. This was an amazing opportunity to do good in the world, travel, and push my limits in all capacities. Unfortunately, I talked myself out of it. I was in college and in so much debt. Then I tore my ACL, and when it wasn’t covered by insurance, I was in even more debt. The concept of raising the funds was so daunting. So I put the idea on the back burner.
I reconsider it every year but I always end up talking myself out of it. With excuse after excuse, if I go this year I’ll miss my sister’s graduation or if I go this year I’ll miss my friends’ wedding. There was even a part of me just didn’t believe that the community that I had was big enough to support me through this trip and I knew I couldn’t do it alone.
This summer my mindset changed after I paid off my last student loan bill. I played with the idea of going again convinced I could make it work this time, but then I talked myself out of it. I told myself the same old story, I will save this year and maybe next year it will make more sense. The second I decided not to, I could feel that it was the wrong decision. But it wasn’t until a few more signs showed up that I paid attention. A random Instagram follow from someone who has just started the race this year, with no mutual friends or followers, and nothing on my page tying me to the race. A mass email reminder about the world race route options. Just little things. So I spent a lot of time in prayer with God and in conversations with my friends who helped me leave some of my doubt, insecurities, and pride behind.
It was about a week after they announced the routes that I decided to apply. A week and 1/2 later and I’ve thrilled to say I’ve been accepted! Now I am so excited to share with you what happens next… Stay Tuned.
