My grandma thinks I am going on vacation for a year. Some people think I have already left the United States. This tells me that I have not been clear on what the World Race is. Well, I am here to clarify.
The World Race is a trip to 11 countries in 11 months. In each country we partner with local churches or non-profits that are working to meet needs within their communities. We act as an extra pair of hands and feet. We help them in whatever way they need, whether it be office work, construction work or working with orphans, etc. Everyday, every month on the World Race is different, because what we do is determined by the communities’ needs. What is consistent is that we are there to love whoever we meet, no matter who they are.
I will be leaving in January (either the 7th or the 8th) 2017. I will travel to India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. Our route may change and already has. This is due to safety, political climates, connections, you name it. Wherever we go, our goal is to help the community that we are in.
So why am I doing this? Well that is a great question.
I grew up in an affluent suburb. I have little to complain about in life. I have grown up in a world of privilege. And I am aware that privilege is what allows me to go on the World Race. I was raised, however, to believe that if I saw a problem, then it became my responsibility to take action and become part of the solution.
Today’s world is full of sadness. There are millions of refugees, there are constant terrorist attacks and a growing political climate of hate. I sit here and I am angry and sad and often hopeless. What can I do? I can’t stop hate. I can’t stop bombings. I can’t do anything to change the world that I see. But that may not be entirely true. Maybe, just maybe, I can do a little bit of good. I can add a little bit of love. Every person has a sphere of influence. I am not looking to change people. I am looking to love people; to bring a little bit of hope into their lives. I have seen the problems, and I think joining the World Race is being part of the solution.
I can’t change everything, I know that, but I want to at least try to change a little piece. That is all that any of us could ask for.
–Caitlin
For more information about the World Race visit https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=about
For more information about my route visit https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=january-2017-3
Feel free to ask me anything!
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