Okay, so pretty much any time I tell someone I’m going on the World Race, their first response is, “WOW I love that show! When will you be on tv??”
This is not the Amazing Race. I’m actually flattered that you think I could survive that thing. My race will be amazing, but it won’t be televised. Sorry to disappoint, friends.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
“Will you be with people you know?”
A month ago, I would’ve said no. But I got to meet and grow with the people on my squad and team at training camp in Georgia! So, yes, I’ll be traveling the world with 25 of my closest friends.
“What do you get to take with you?”
Not much. I am allowed two backpacks. One large backpack, one small daypack. When I tell people this, they kind of look at me like “Wait, what?” The Race is all about abandonment. Total abandonment to this life back home in the US, to my closet full of my grandma’s clothes and favorite goodwill finds, and even to my favorite fuzzy blanket. The things I take on the Race with me will be things that I need, and that’s it. It’s actually something I’m really excited about. Living simply is something I’m passionate about and something I want to grow more in, and the Race is the perfect opportunity to put a minimalist lifestyle into practice!
“What happens if you get sick/injured overseas?”
SURPRISE!!! America isn’t the only country that has hospitals and doctors and medicine and all the other health things! Through Adventures in Missions, I have access to an awesome international health coverage plan. (I pay for that through my fundraising, so if you want me to survive, DONATE!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 ) I’ve also gotten about a zillion immunizations, injections, and pills, so there’s that. Also, I’m constantly being covered in prayer by people who love me and support me, so I’m not worried about a thing! Pray for me and my team to be healthy and injury free for the next 12 months!
“Why are you going now instead of waiting until you graduate?”
I know you’re all concerned with my higher education at the University of Kentucky. Believe me, I want to graduate college! What a lot of people don’t know about my coming year on the Race is that I’ll be enrolled as a full time student at UK. Since my major is Community and Leadership Development, the amazing faculty and staff at UK have come alongside me and worked extremely hard to make sure that I get school credit for the race. The World Race will, technically, be my senior year! I’ll have about 15 hours (one semester) left after I get back from the race, and I’ll be graduating in December of 2018.
“What country are you most excited about going to?”
It’s hard to narrow it down. All the countries that I’ll be visiting are so amazing! But if I had to pick one, I’d say I’m the most excited about Indonesia. This country is home to the world’s largest Muslim population and is absolutely beautiful (from what I’ve seen in pictures.) And for some reason, Holy Spirit put that country on my heart a little over a year ago, so I’m pumped to see what God will do in and through me there!
“What will you be doing in country?”
I wish I knew the answer to this question. From what I’ve heard and read, I will be doing a variety of different things! From putting on VBS for kids, to teaching English, to taking prayer walks around cities, there’s no telling what all I’ll get into overseas! I’m excited about the unknown aspect of the race. It is slowly leading me into deeper places of trust with The Lord, and that’s something I really desire.
“How do your parents feel about you leaving?”
Okay people, why ask a question you already know the answer to?
JUST KIDDING!! My parents are worried, obviously. What parent wouldn’t be worried about sending their baby girl into places that are filled with darkness? What parent wouldn’t be sad about not being able to see or hug their child for 11 months?
The best thing about my parents is that they’re super supportive of everything that I decide to do. My dad has always told me, “You can do anything you want to do and be anyone you want to be.” And I can sit here and honestly say that they’ve done EVERYTHING they possibly can for me to be successful and thrive in all the things that I do. From helping me fundraise to helping me pick out mission appropriate clothing, they’ve been there for me through it all. Despite their worries and doubts, they’ve loved me well through this crazy process.
Just pray for my poor mother. Shes a worrier.
“What happens if you don’t raise the money that you need?”
Alright. I don’t even want to talk about this, but since you all seem to be curious…
If I don’t raise the money by my last deadline in November, I will have to leave the field and come home. This is NOT something that I believe will happen. I’m confident that The Lord will provide! I’ve been so surprised and overwhelmed already with the amount of love and support you all have shown me! I’m not worried about this, and having to come home from he field is not a common occurrence, so keep praying and donating and we won’t have a problem. I don’t view money as an obstacle, but I do see it as a tool that I need to reach the nations. I’m staying positive and believing the Lord for His goodness and provision!
“How do I keep up with you while you’re on the field?”
If you’re reading this, you’re in the right place!! My blog will be my go-to form of communication while on the mission field. This is where i will post pictures, updates, and stories! If you want to follow me on the field, just click the “subscribe” button and every time I write a new blog post, you’ll receive a notification and you’ll have direct access to my blog! Please please please subscribe, I want to tell you all the things.
I know you probably have more questions than this, so feel free to contact me and ask away! You can ask questions in the comment section of this post, email me, or just call me! You can find my contact information in the “Contact” section on my blog.
I want everyone I know to hear about the World Race and all God is doing through this trip! Share this post, subscribe to my blog, tell your friends. It’s gonna be a fun year!
