Well, y’all.. I have some big news! I have been accepted to join next year’s World Race! If you’re unfamiliar, The World Race is an eleven-month mission trip. My race will include traveling through Central and South America and Southeast Asia while servicing local communities and sharing the word of God. This organization allows me to be a part of sports and children’s ministry, discipleship, drug and rehab ministry and so much more.
As I’ve begun to share the news of my trip with others I have consistently gotten asked one question- why?
Why do I want to leave my home, friends, and family for eleven months? Why do I want to take a “step-back” in my career by taking almost a year off? Why would I want to embark on this type of trip with the state of the world right now?
My simple answer- why not?
But to truly understand my motivation for the trip I think you need a little bit of backstory.
About a year and a half ago I was introduced to The World Race for the first time. I saw an old coworker of mine has been accepted to go on the 2019 expedition. After reading more into what the trip would involve, I was hooked. Eleven months of traveling the world, serving others, and growing in my faith? SIGN ME UP.
Unfortunately, life seemed to get in the way. When I first started the application a year and a half ago, all I could think of were the hundreds of reasons why I “couldn’t” go. I couldn’t leave my “good,” well-paying job. I couldn’t leave my boyfriend or family for so long. I couldn’t afford to finance the trip. I would never actually be selected to go on the trip. But most of all I was SCARED! Seriously, what if I couldn’t handle eleven months of not sleeping in my own bed and being on the go? What if my relationship with God wasn’t strong enough to be successful on the trip? What if I couldn’t share enough of myself to really connect with my teammates the way others do? The list went on.. and on.. AND ON.
But His plan is bigger than me and much bigger than my fears. Fast forward to the present day- my five-year relationship has come to an end, I was laid off due to COVID, and I took a huge leap of faith moving hours away from friends and family.
His timing is everything!!!
My roommate and I were driving around Atlanta about a month ago and passed by a church her coworker recommended. We talked about visiting for a Sunday service which led to a conversation about God and the role he plays in our lives. It was one of the most honest and self-reflective conversations I’ve ever had. I can’t even explain how thankful I am for that night. From that conversation, I finally realized how far I had strayed from God in recent years.
I grew up in church twice a week. Church service on Sundays and Bible study on Wednesdays. I was taught to put my faith in God and trust in Him. But in recent years I’ve tried to do everything on my own. The anxious planner in me didn’t want to wait to see where I was being led. I wanted to create my own path, success, and happiness. With every step, my relationship with God was pushed to the back burner. I stopped communicating with Him. I constantly felt alone and confused and could never figure out why. That night it finally clicked.
A few days later I was still reflecting on our talk. I decided to look up the world race again. The first trip available started in Nicaragua!! I mean come on- how could it get more perfect? Spending almost three months in Nicaragua would be a dream come true. Not only will I be able to learn more about where I come from, but I will also be able to give back to the community where my family still lives today.
After seeing that, I decided to apply again. When I opened the application this time all the answers seemed so simple. There was absolutely no feeling of “I can’t,” only excitement about what lies ahead.
In this transition period of my life.. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do next. I moved to Atlanta to find myself again and to explore new options. I can’t help but feel like it was all to get me here. I have been on two mission trips before and know I am my best self when I am serving others. I’m so incredibly excited to be passionate about what I’m doing again!!
Once I submitted my application, I had my interview and found out I was accepted within a week! It was a whirlwind of emotions because it was all happening so fast! On one hand, I was ecstatic that I was going to be able to live out my dream. On the other hand, my realistic side knew I couldn’t finance the trip and I shouldn’t commit myself to go.
I took a few days and prayed on it. After days of reflection, I can confidently say I’ve never felt more called to something. I know this is my next step. Although I’m still scared, I truly believe God’s Will will prevail. I know he has prepared the hearts of others to help me on my journey.
I’d love it if you’d follow along! Help me help others ??
