So how did I decide to do this crazy thing called the World Race?
A good question. I have always loved the thought of doing a trip like the Race. Live outside the US for a year? What an adventure! Travel all over the world all for the sake of Christ? Totally my thing! 11 countries in 11 months? No problem! Sleep in a tent, live in not so perfect conditions, bathe irregularly, eat weird food, deal with crazy people? I can handle it! Raise $16,267? Um… I’ll have to think about it and get back to you….
Isn’t that always how these things go? We all want to go on an adventure but few of us are willing to pay the cost. I’m willing to admit it, that’s usually me as much as anyone. It’s just easier to stay home and dream about “one day.”
One day is a favorite game of mine. One day I’m gonna see the world. One day I’m gonna live in a foreign country. One day I’m gonna do great things for Christ. One day I’m gonna get married and have a family. One day I’m gonna have lots of money, nice things, my own house… etc, etc. The game goes on and on and my dream of the day is often directly related to recent frustrations.
The problem is, this game never involves any work or real goals for my life. I imagine what this great one day will be like, sigh wistfully to myself, and then forget it. How many people spend their ENTIRE lives talking about one day without ever working toward MAKING that one day happen? Maybe we decide some things aren’t worth the work, the sacrifice. Maybe, deep down, we never really believe that one day is possible for us…
Back in January of this year, 2015 hit me like a slap in the face. It was New Year’s so, of course, I was looking forward to the year ahead and new life goals. Then it struck me: I turn 30 this year.
30!!!!
That’s when the dramatic thoughts started.
Where has the time gone? What have I done with my youth? (I did say dramatic) Why haven’t I traveled more? Why am I not in full time ministry? Why am I not overseas somewhere as a missionary? Should I have gone back and gotten more schooling? Why am I still living with my parents? Where is the husband and family God promised me? When do I start to feel like a “real adult?” Did I miss God’s plan for my life?!
I knew, even in the middle of these thoughts, that I was being too hard on myself. But it took a couple of melt downs and some long talks with my sister and best friend before I was able to realize the reason behind this uncharacteristic freak out session.
I had put off too much for too long.
All the things I wanted to do in my life had remained “one days” and never actually became “to dos.” A goal without a deadline is only a dream, someone probably very successful once said. At 30 years old, I can say that this has been true in my life.
Instead of spending any more time lamenting time wasted and all the things I should have done differently, I decided today was the day. Then God reminded me of a clever slogan I found on Pinterest: if not now then when? So I had it put on a tshirt to start fundraising for the World Race!
Of all the one days, the World Race is the one God highlighted to me in prayer. 11 months of learning what it means to serve God and share the love of Jesus in 11 different countries. When my best friend, Amanda, asked, “what do you want to do?” The World Race popped into my head. And I can easily say that I haven’t been this excited for ANYTHING in many years.
I’M GOING ON THE WORLD RACE!!!!
(Sorry, just had to get that out lol)
It will take A LOT of work though. All real life changing experiences do, I think. I have a lot of fundraising to do. I will need a lot of support, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. But I know that God has called me to do this and I believe that He equips those He calls.
I am depending heavily on God and the people He has, and will put, in my life. I need a solid team behind me as I embark on this journey. It won’t be easy to raise this money but fundraising is part of the adventure and I am facing it head on!
So that’s the story behind how this decision was made. I’m so excited to be able to share it with you all and I hope that you will continue to follow along with my adventure.
Thanks for reading!
To be a part of my team please contact me:
email: [email protected]
Phone: 3366536009
Facebook Page: facebook.com/alyciacrane.twr
