Many people wonder where all they money they’ve donated has gone. Some people doubt whether the world race is an actual mission trip, or a vacation for 21-35 year olds to go one. Some people even think that it’s more about the person on the trip, than the people they are actually serving. Some people question whether or not they should donate. Some people completely ignore the cry for help.  

Truth be told I don’t blame you. Of course you’re going to have questions. Of course you’re going to be confused on what the racer that you have given money to does. Most of the time we are unable to communicate that with you. We can’t give you an straight answer if we don’t know them. HONESTLY that’s just what happens. This year is not what we expected or even what we initially signed up for. It’s just as hard for you as it is for us. 

With that being said, I wanted to take the time to share the reality of the world race with you. I wanted to show you exactly what it has been for me, and what it has not been. 

This is what you see my race as being…. 

(Off day: Hot Springs Month 6-Thailand)

(Down Time: Surfing on the beach with my Swiss Miss Tanja Month 3-Costa Rica)

 

(Off Day: The Beach Month 2- Haiti)

(Off Day: Riding an Elephant Month 6- Thailand)

 

(Off Day: The Beach Month 1- Dominican Republic)

The problem with the photos that I and other racers post is that they are so focused on us looking like we are having such a great time. Don’t get me wrong this is probably one of the best years of my life, and at the same time it’s one of the most challenging years yet.

What you don’t get to see in pictures is the reality that I miss home and the people there. I miss being grounded and having the means to support myself. You don’t get to see the countless days and hours that I spending crying into my pillow like its the end of the world. You don’t see the fights that God and I have (well I’m basically fighting Him because He wins anyways). You don’t get to see the relationships that I’ve made. You don’t get to see the people who fight for me everyday. You hardly get to see the people who I meet for such a short time who make such an impact on my life. You don’t get to see the difference in the person that I am. The only thing you get to see is what I let you see.

Perhaps this is just me, and no other missionary feels this way. That’s absolutely OK with me. This is my heart. This is me putting myself out there letting you know where I am. This me showing you “Brittine;” the good, the bad, and the ugly.

WELCOME TO MY RACE

(Meet Edwin- a paraplegic who asked us to sing and pray over him. He couldn’t straighten his arms out prior to meeting us, after we left him he had both hands raised to the heavens praising the Lord of Lords Guatemala – Month 5)

 

 

(Meet Nancy, Marlon, Merrlins, and Fanny: 4 young people who captured my heart in Honduras. Who not only love the Lord, but also want to share Him with others. They are dedicated to serving in all capacities in the Kingdom. They are gifted and have potential to do great things with the lord. Honduras – Month 4)

 

(A young boy who you fall in love with the first time he meets you and jumps in your arms, follows you everywhere you go, and cries when you leave to get on the bus. However, when you come back to His village days later sees you from afar and screams your name while running down a hill to you. A young boy whose name will forever be sketched across your heart for ever. I love you Andrew (Bi-Bi) Month 2- Haiti)

(Falling in love with yourself more and more each day. Becoming who the Father has created you to be and not looking back! Living in the world, but not changing the person that you are become part of the world. Month 3- Costa Rica)

 

(Meeting little cuties like Makenlove who brighten even the roughest of days. Who despite living in an orphanage is still filled with joy and love; it radiates off of him with every smile. Month 2 – Haiti)

(Getting to work alongside amazing educators, whose focus is to assist in creating the best educated citizens that Thailand has to offer. It has been a pleasure getting to serve next to them. They have treated our team with so much love and kindness. Words can’t even express the gratitude that I have for them. Month 6 – Thailand)

Some days I want to leave the race, and go back to what is familiar. Sometimes all I want to do is shed tears and sit in a pile of self pity. Sometimes are really amazing and full of great memories. Some days are really bad, because I didn’t make the decision to make them better. Some days are productive. Some days are lazy and full of me time. Truth of the matter is that all days are different on the World Race. No two days are the same. Remember when you see pictures from racers, or updates sent from missionaries, that their life isn’t as easy as it seems. Remember that they struggle just as much as you do at home. Please don’t forget that “off days” are not really off days. Honestly ministry happens 7 days a week for us. We really don’t get breaks, because there is always someone in need, but don’t for a second think that means that we can’t have fun while displaying God’s love! If the racers or missionaries that you know don’t share the hard times, ask about them! Be the one to go that extra mile, I’m sure they would be willing to share and receive any type of encouragement. 

 

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.” Tolkien