My friends and family who know much of anything about me know that I live for international opportunities… those I have the chance at I jump on, and I have taken advantage of each chance I’ve had. That said, I want to be clear on how this “trip” is different. As I just said, I have jumped on previous opportunities to live adventurously. I ran to my Study abroad office upon arrival at college, I grabbed, as quickly as I could, the chance to go to Asia with my History professor my senior year, I sought out the adventure of leaving TX behind for 2 years on the East Coast, and I even jumped at the opportunity to go to India in September 2012. Yet my decision to go to India was different. You see, I was hoping that a call I had to this thing called the “World Race” would go away if I went to India as a missionary. Why? Because despite the fact that I crave adventure, I didn’t want to go on THIS adventure. I was scared. I was comfortable, and didn't want to leave the known for the "unknown." The Devil was convincing me I would never be good enough to serve in such a way. I didn’t know how I could financially swing it (and I still don’t, but trying to trust Him). I was concerned that many would think I was crazy, that I was running away. I didn’t want to jump at this opportunity because this isn’t just another trip to experience a culture and world different than mine. I said “I’m not going” so often because this “trip” is so much more than a "trip."
So because I love to travel, I want to be more than clear about why I’m going, to make it clear that I’m not going because it will be fun, or cool, or smart.
First, reasons I'm not…
I’m not going on the World Race…
for an extended vacation.
I’m not going on the World Race…
to escape from the hard realities of life for a year.
I’m not going on the World Race…
because I don’t know what else to do with my life.
I’m not going on the World Race…
for a year of fluffy travel adventures.
I’m not going on the World Race…
as an excuse to add stamps to my passport or to my “countries visited” list.
I’m not going on the World Race…
to meet a guy.
I’m not going on the World Race…
so that I can tell great stories to friends, family or anyone who will listen.
I’m not going on the World Race…
so that I can have stunning photo documentation for constant display on instagram and facebook.
Quite the contrary, as this girly girl is learning the ins, outs and in-betweens of the best sleeping pads, backpacks, and sleeping bags, and whose new favorite accessory will be headbands to hold back her unwashed hair. Her wardrobe is dropping from walk-in closet size to 3 bottoms, 3 tops and 3 pairs of undies! She is giving up a great teaching job at a wonderful school with a great administration and community. She has a great church family, is involved in her church community, and lives in the same town as her family. From the eyes of many, it would seem “I have it all.”
So, for those of you who have been wondering or asking “Why would you leave your comfortable life?” Here’s why…
I’m going because… staying would be denying a call God has put on my heart (for approximately 5 years) and denying an invitation to be a part of His plan for the world.
I’m going because… He has changed my life and my heart, and I want to tell of His love!
I’m going because… I want to invest in people deeply, outrageously, unconditionally, excessively.
I’m going because… I want to learn to be utterly reliant on HIM? and grow in His love.
I’m going because… I want to live boldly and courageously.
I’m going because… I want to learn how to live life as a missionary, no matter where I am. To be unafraid to share the Good News and show the joy that comes from life with Him. To be unconcerned with the perceptions of this world, and solely concerned with how my Father sees me.
I’m going because… I want to be “ruined” by Him, to “get away” with Him so that I experience His love more deeply, more transformatively than ever before. If I can do that, I can learn to love people the way He loves people. I can love the way He calls me to.
I’m going because… I want a greater understanding of what He desires for my life.
I’m going because… I want to give back. I want to pour into others the way God and so many people have poured into me. I have been blessed, and therefore desire to be a blessing to the nations.
And lastly, I'm going because… I want to be a part of His kingdom’s advancement. I want to see and experience miracles and healing. I want to see chains broken. I want to see and experience the church in different nations, and expand my understanding of what "church" and "worship" are. I want to see others called to Kingdom advancement rise up and take their place. I want to be a part of baptisms and salvation stories. I want to see new people groups hear the Good News and as a result turn to Him. I want to do my part to bring about Christ’s return, and our Lord will not return until the whole world hears!
So no, this is not just a vacation. It is a journey with many purposes. A MISSION: a mission that desires to share and experience the love of our Savior. It is a journey that will be painful and joyful, physically uncomfortable, emotionally draining, spirit-refining. I’m sure it will be the most difficult year of my life, and I’m EXCITED! Because I know He will transform me to look more like Him, if only I allow Him to do so!
I am giddy to be a part of this mission, and I hope you are too! I look forward to sharing it with you, as YOU are a great part of this!
