It is with a heavy heart that I am making this post…
My team is in the process of being sent home due to threats of the coronavirus and danger of borders closing.
AIM (Adventures in Missions) has been receiving constant updates from embassies and medical professionals around the world regarding our safety during this trip. The organization has tiers to describe the levels of safety/danger each team is dealing with. Tier 1 is described as the most serious. If a squad is classified in this tier, that means that AIM is actively seeking a way to get the squad off the field and back home as soon as possible. This could be because of borders closing in their current country or because there are enough cases confirmed near their current location that they need to get away. Tier 2 is described as the next most important. This means that the squad is being evaluated and checked on constantly to see if they need to be moved out. It’s not as urgent, but it’s just keeping a closer eye on the squad in case things change too quickly. Tier 3 is basically bottom of the list. This is for squads that are not in any danger at all. This tier describes teams that are not at risk for the virus or borders closing and are put to the side (still being checked on) while the organization works with the other squads to bring them to safety.
It’s insane how quickly this situation changed.
On March 13th our squad was classified as tier 3 which was a blessing. Within 24 hours, we were classified as tier 1 and it was determined we needed to transition back to the U.S immediately as well as all other World Race missionaries around the world. This morning our flights were booked for tomorrow to bring us back to Atlanta. We will be having a 2 day debrief in Atlanta and we will be going our separate ways on Wednesday, March 18th.
As difficult as it is to leave the mission field, we are also leaving our newfound family. I’m feeling a lot of frustration and disappointment right now if I’m being completely honest. I know trust is so important now more than ever.
Please please please be praying for safety not only for my squad but also the other squads around the world. There are Gap Year, 11n11 Squads, as well as other Semesters squads out there that are currently being moved back to the states. The staff at AIM is doing its absolute best to keep everyone safe and do what’s best for everyone. They are being obedient to the Lord even though it is a mess and difficult, which is so admirable. Please keep the organization and staff in your prayers as well as they navigate bringing all of their racers back to the US.
There are countless verse throughout the Bible about having no fear and trusting in the Lord. I am confident that we have the Lord’s protection and no matter what happens we must always remember, it is part of His will. It is no surprise to Him how the world has spun out of control over this. He knows exactly how to handle it and it is all part of His plan. As much as that is true, however, we must be conscientious and smart about what we do. We cannot walk through everyday life, careless because we believe God is going to protect us. We must be safe and use the brains He gave us! Walking in trust and intelligence is very important.
I will continue to update as much as I can. Please keep us in your prayers right now. I don’t really know what else to say except I must be obedient even if it breaks my heart.
Thank you for everything. I love you guys so much and I will see you soon.
With love, Rachel <3
