There are so many requirements for a tent on the World Race. It must be freestanding, have a 2-person sleeping capacity, weigh no more than 6 pounds, come with a rainfly and footprint, and be appropriate for multiple seasons. On top of that, it needs to be reasonably priced but also be able to withstand the 11 months on the Race. With absolutely no tent-purchasing skills to speak of, finding the right tent seemed nearly impossible.
After months of searching for the perfect tent, I finally found the one! The REI Quarter Dome T2 Plus tent had everything I needed and I was able to snag it for half-price. Plus, the rainfly was a pretty yellow color (pretty is a must). I bought it and told my dad I had finally found a tent for the World Race. His response was, “What do you need a tent for?”
Apparently my parents were unaware that I would be living in a tent for 11 months. Either they missed the part when I told them that a tent would be my home (most likely), or I completely forgot to mention that detail to them.
So, in light of recent events, I thought I would dedicate this blog post to sharing all the details about the World Race that I know thus far. I’ll revert back to the who, what, when, where, why, and how that I learned in elementary school to make sure I cover everything :).
WHO:
Myself, and a squad of about 40 other men and women from around the country. We’ll be broken up into teams of about 6-8, which we will spend the 11 months of the Race with.
WHAT:
I’ll be participating in this mission trip through a program called the World Race, which is part of the organization Adventures in Missions. The World Race is an 11 month journey to 11 countries around the world with the goal to serve “the least of these.” My team and I will partner with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, teach English, provide HIV and AIDS education, build relationships with women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and so much more. Our work will depend on the location and the needs at the time.
The World Race is also a challenging opportunity for young adults to abandon their worldly possessions in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about us, it’s about the Kingdom. In accordance with this, Racers bring only what can be carried on their back for the 11 month journey. My only belongings for the 11 months of the Race will be whatever I can fit into my 70-liter backpack!
WHEN:
My squad and I launch July 1, 2014. We’ll be returning 11 months later on May 30, 2015!
In May, I’ll be traveling to Georgia to attend training camp with my squad as well as the 3 other squads that launch in July. At camp, Adventures in Missions staff as well as former Racers will begin to prepare our hearts and bodies for the 11 month journey that lies ahead of us.
WHERE:
Swaziland (July), Botswana (August), South Africa (September), Estonia (October), Latvia (November), Thailand (December), Cambodia (January), India (February), Nepal (March), Guatemala (April), and Nicaragua (May).
Our ministry contacts won’t be set up until a month prior to arriving in each country, so our specific locations won’t be known until then.
My team and I will rely on the tents we bring as our home in each country. There may be times when we will be living with a host family, but tents will be our primary residence.
WHY:
Because I believe that there’s more to life than empty traditions, routines, and working 40 hours a week to achieve the impossibility of the American dream. I want to break away from my comfort zone and experience things I never even knew existed. I want to live alongside the poor, and I want my heart to be broken by the things that break God’s heart. I want to care for the lost and hurting like Jesus did and show them love and bring them hope that they never expected to have. I want to change the world and I believe that by doing these things lives in nations all over the world will be changed!
HOW:
With your help! 🙂
The World Race is a journey I cannot make alone. I’m relying on support from friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers to get me through the upcoming months of preparation and the 11 months I will spend in the field. I need all the prayers and encouragement I can get, as preparing to leave my country, family, and friends for 11 months will be a difficult task.
I’m also in need of financial support. Like most other missions organizations, World Racers are required to raise support to fund their mission. I need to raise a total of $16,285 in order to be fully funded for this mission. If you feel led to support me financially, you can click on “Support Me” at the top of this page. Please remember, no amount is too small or too big, every dollar helps!
I will also be doing fundraisers in the upcoming months. T-shirts will be available to order soon!
….. 105 days!
