Many people have asked me, why the World Race? Why these specific countries? As I share my heart on each of these answers, I’ll also be sharing some of the things God has been teaching me. (He seriously is an incredible teacher if you make yourself available to learn and listen).
**One of the many things the Lord has been stretching me on is TRANSPARENCY. And if you know me at all, this is very scary word. I am one who keeps things very close to the vest, unless you are in my inner circle and even then you only get about 75% of the story! I’ve always been one who builds walls due to things in my past. But brick by brick, the Lord has been removing that wall, and calling me to being totally transparent. I’m actually okay with it, and kind of excited to see where this goes….So without further a due, welcome to some of my transparent thoughts.**
Why the World Race? My first thought it WHY NOT?! Hahaha, but no!!! I have heard about the World Race for about 5 years now, and every time I read about it every time I saw a post about it I KNEW I wanted to do it! Oh man my heart ached so bad to be a part of something like that where it’s full time missions!! Dude come on!!! But EVERY TIME my heart leap with joy, fear totally took it captive! I said things to myself like “you would never be able to do something like that. You are too fat. You aren’t smart enough. You would never last. You can’t read your Bible and pray at home, why do you think you’ll be able to do that and make a difference out there.” And back into my wishful thinking the World Race went.
Last year the Lord totally challenged everything I thought I knew! One of my very close friends committed suicide in November and it totally wrecked my life. All the things I thought I knew, and all the things I knew that I had a firm foundation on came crumbling down. I didn’t know what to think about so many things including God. I questioned my faith. I questioned if God was really a good God. And I struggled for a few months, and it wasn’t easy, it extremely hard. But I came to a conclusion where I simply said “God, even when I don’t understand but I choose to trust you.” In my fight the Lord said, “Do you really trust me?” I said yes, I don’t understand but I trust you. And He called me to step out. And in that moment He told me to sign up for “October World Race” I had no idea if there was even an October route, but I researched it. There it was. I immediately had fear again but this time was different. This time I knew God had told me to move. So I got some people to stand behind me who I knew would call me out on the hard things, and kick me into action when I want to quit. (Thankfully that’s exactly what they did, even when I bawled and threw a fit, they wouldn’t let up). I went through the application and interview process, which I felt like was totally exhausting and here I am 5 months away from launching.
No, I don’t fight with the thoughts of not being good enough anymore because I know I’m not good enough!!!! But I serve a God who is totally capable beyond what I can imagine! and He has made me good enough! I know that when I am weak He is strong! In those moments where I feel like I can’t I fall back on scripture “I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). When I feel overwhelmed, I lay at Daddy’s feet cast my cares on Him and leave it right there and allow Him to show me what He has in store.
Why these countries? Honestly I don’t really remember how I picked this specific route. I know my heart has been to go to Thailand and Cambodia, when those two were on the list it defiantly drew my attention. I also remember seeing Uganda, which is where my passion for missions began. So I just gravitated towards it. Funny thing is when they called me and told me I was accepted I had to ask her which route I applied for. HAHA!
Now I am at the point where yes, money is needed. Yes some equipment is needed but the Lord has been SOOOOOO FAITHFUL!!! I have had incredible support financially as well as with donations! I have a tent, a hiking bag, sleeping bag, pillow, headlamp and a few others things!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!!!
But I am at such peace about going on the trip; I use my story of allowing fear to cripple me for so long but now choosing to simply obey. Because “simple obedience changes history” It’s not only my history that it changes but my obedience can change someone else’s history. And so can yours!
So all in all when people ask me why the World Race?
I’ll simply say
LOVE MADE ME DO IT
I know I can’t be the only one who struggles with dreams and passions of their own but totally discredits themselves. I’m asking. What are some dreams and passions God has put inside your heart?! Would you be willing to trust Him enough just take a leap, and see how God shows up and shows out.
(okay okay small plug…THANK YOU SO MUCH to all those who have purchased shirts!! I challenged myself a little and purcahsed 40 and THEY ARE ALL GONE!!! ahhh what??! So guess what I ordered more!!!!! So I will have a new shipment in soon. They are $20 and say “love made me do it” ).
