You’re not going…

2) OH! I totally watched the first season of that! Is that show still on?
No, no, no…not "The Amazing Race", the World Race.

3) Is that a spin off or something?
No, it's a missions trip!

4) A missions trip? That's awesome! Where are you going?
Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, India, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

5) Wait…how long will you be gone?
11 months.

6) 11…wait…so like a year?
Yeah, like a year!

6.5) Yeah right…you're not going…
uh…yeah…actually I am.

7) But…Jake? Are you two going to continue dating?
Yeah…I know…this is something we've been very open and honest with about from the beginning. Both of us knew what we were getting ourselves into and now that it's getting closer…we're both really beginning to feel it. Luckily we'll have Skype and the other wonders of modern technology to keep in touch…Skype dates over a movie and some sort of snack may be in order! Words cannot begin to express how much I am going to miss him…and I am definitely praying about the time we will be apart. I keep telling myself over and over and over again that if we can make it through this, we can make it through anything! He has been nothing but supportive and encouraging when it comes to the race, and has sat with me through a few mini panic attacks already. So very thankful for him and I am certainly treasuring every minute with him before launch!

8) What about your mom?! How is she okay with this?
Ahhh yes…good question. The parent section of the World Race site has done wonders. She's doing okay, definitely has shed some tears, but she is being very supportive through this process up until Launch. I fully expect a legit sobfest on launch day. #prepared

9) And the rest of your family?
Same answer. Not looking forward to leaving my siblings…but I am honored to get to participate in this journey and set a good example for them on what it means to serve the Lord!

10) Don't you have a dog?
Yes. My Emma. Ugh. Not looking forward to leaving her. HOWEVER. I pretty much have people fighting over her…She is such a sweetie, everyone wants her! So I am not too worried about finding her a temporary place to stay while I'm gone!

11) Did you just buy a car not long ago?
Yes. If you know of anyone that want's a Volkswagen Beetle, let me know. (Lord, help me sell that thing….)

12) Have you told your boss yet?
NO. shhh…

13) So are you getting paid to go on this Trip?
No, in fact just the opposite. I am paying to go! 

14) That can't be cheap…how much do you have to pay?
Around $15,500 for the trip itself, and another $5,000ish for supplies/vaccinations/plane tickets to launch, etc.

15) Yeah right…there is no way…
It's a little nerve wracking for sure! To have to ask people for money is NOT fun. I've never been a fan of it, and am learning to find the blessings in being in this position. It is super humbling to have so many people believe in me so far…and I have actually hit deadline #1! So, so far so good!

16) What does your first deadline look like?
$3,500

16.5) Wait, they let you launch without being fully funded!? why?! 
Yes, once I hit $6,000 I can officially launch. I really wanted to be fully funded before I leave, and I've heard of crazier things happening! But yes, it is allowed. I would have to fundraise from the field then. Which, could work in my favor. There are a lot of people who think that I actually won't go.

16.75) That's not cool…those people I mean…
Tell me about it.

17) What does that $3,500 get you?
A spot in Training Camp!

18) You have a training camp for this?
Yes, yes we do! From May 19-25th we have a training camp down at AIM Headquarters in GA.

19) AIM?
Oh! Yeah, I forgot. Adventures in Missions. They are the organization we are going on this race through.

20) eh…We?
Yeah, me and about 75 other racers…on my squad.

21) Squad!?
That's what we call our group of people on my route. We are "S Squad"! (aka Super Squad)

22) Is there more than one squad?
Yeah, there are 26 per year (thus far)…Squads A-Z.

23) Okay, so what exactly will you and your…squad be doing on your…route?
Well, we aren't exactly sure yet. There will be different ministries that each of the teams of 7ish people within the squad will break off and do. It could be anything from working in orphanages, to playing board games with lady boys in Thailand's read light district, to laying manure in a field on some bean crops, to going to the market for our host families.

24) What is the ministry you are most looking forward to?
Orphanages for sure. Babies. Hug all the babies!!! 

25) Are you guys going to be doing strictly missionary work the whole year?!
Well, yes and no. We will be the hands and feet of Jesus of course, and we will get some time off to receive and take back in  what we pour out. This will look like some weekends off, excursions like rafting the nile, visiting tiger kingdom in Thailand, Bungy Jumping…you know, things like that.

26) Bungy-
Yes. I will be doing it. Next question

27) Are you going to bring your camera?
Uh…YES. I would physically hurt and be in pain if I didn't bring it. 

28) What if you get robbed? Which reminds me, is it safe where you are going?
God's got all of that under control…the best I can do is that the Lord's will be done! (And maybe selfishly pray every so often for the safety of my camer-uh…me. haha)

29) So when are you leaving again?
July!!!

30) Are you scared?
Words cannot describe the paralyzing fear I am feeling.

31) Are you at all excited?
Words cannot describe the pure joy and excitement I am feeling.

32) What if you don't raise all the money?
Simple answer, I will! I honestly believe it is God's will for me to be on this race, so He will make a way!

33) *blank stare* *blinks* *longer blank stare*
Have you ever heard of simple faith? yeah. trying that on for size. so far, so good!

34) How do I donate?
If you are able, or know of any family members, friends, even people you don't like very much, who would be able to help, please pass my story and website along. You can make donations to the World Race page directly at www.brittdietzman.theworldrace.org and click on the donation tab on the left, or mail cash/check to 3055 Riverwoods Dr. Rockford, MI 49341. Cash/Check donations will most likely be used for supplies unless you elect otherwise. I am also accepting Pop Cans/bottle return slips. And I am willing to pick them up.

35) Can you send me emails on how things are going?
I can! My memory is about as good as a goldfish, so if you click on the left hand side of this page the link that says "Subscribe"…it'll put you on an email list so that every time I update my blog, you are notified immediately. So then you can laugh at all my typos before I go back through them and fix them 6 views in. VIP Status fah sho.

36) So…what you're say is…it's not a race. You don't win any money at the end.
No…it's not a race.

37) Can you bring me something back from Africa?
Uh…sure?

38) Solid. btdubs…here's some money.