Hi everyone! Some of you may be wondering from my last post what sort of transitions I have been in, and what preparing looks like. Well keep reading because this is the post for you. 🙂
Since committing to the World Race I have: left my job, attended conferences, traveled, been working on preparing to go on the World Race, and lost all sense of daily routine in my life, each day looks different sometimes drastically others just slightly.
What conferences?
Be Light, The Circuit Riders Carry the Love tour at Iowa State University, and Contend America. (More on my experiences at these to come in another blog)
What travels?
Wisconsin Dells: Worked at the Nationals Dance Competition, North East Iowa: Motorcycle Waterfall tour, Colorado Springs: Contend America Conference, Branson area: Family Motorcycle trip. (Stay tuned, more to come in another blog)
So, what does preparing for the World Race look like?
Well, for starters, a life without a “real” job, for preparing itself is a full time job. Which means lack of income, but I am very fortunate to have an amazing family; mother who allows me to live with her (rent free), dad who often takes me out to eat and allows me to go on fun trips with him without worry about the financial cost. They support me through and through and for that I am so very thankful, this allows me to have preparing for the World Race be my job. God blesses me daily through my family! 🙂
What else…?
Well here’s my list:
-Coming up with fundraising ideas and following through with them, while trying to avoid being discouraged or overwhelmed by the process ($18,200 is a lot)!
-Reaching out to friends for advice and help (shout out to Hannah R., who continues to be a major blessing in this process)! As well as meeting with a mentor twice a month. We are the Church (not a building), community is very important.
-Lots and lots of talking to people about the journey to the World Race and what the World Race is.
-Writing a support letter and sending them out (If you would like to receive one and haven’t yet, please email me your address: [email protected])
-Coordinating travels to training camp (carpooling) and starting to connect online with other racers on the same route, while keeping up to date on information blogs from the Adventures in Missions team, and participating in Squad Wars (fun competition between squads/routes, I’m in route 2 aka Blue Squad R!) 🙂
-Looking up and making sure requirements and deadlines are being met: passport taken care of, support letter done and sent, medical information submitted, personality test taken, ministry info filled out, and fundraising amounts met.
-Looking up vaccinations that will be needed and then getting and paying for those vaccinations.
-Doing research on each of the countries (especially climates, for what to pack).
-Looking at the packing lists and getting the gear that is required (tent, shoes, proper attire, etc.) and attempt not to be overwhelmed by the fact, you’ll be carrying everything for the year on your back. Once items are all attained, perhaps practicing packing and unpacking and re-packing would be good.
-Physically preparing by getting into shape. Starting to work out at the gym or at home. Going on hikes and working up the weight being carried.
-Blogging and more blogging. Good practice for the Race as we will be required to blog I believe it is twice a week.
-Preparing mentally and spiritually by drawing closer to God daily. Getting into His word consistently. Listening for His voice and learning to hear and see Him more clearly in the day to day. Taking time to Pray and Worship (more than just at church on Sunday’s) and remembering to give Him thanks always.
-Journaling about the preparation process and life, knowing it’s okay to show emotion and let God know how you’re truly feeling.
Some of these things are still in the works while others have already been checked off, there are also a few that will be consistent up to the day I leave. 🙂
It takes a village. If you would like invest in this World Race and help me prepare you can donate by clicking on this link: Give Here 🙂
If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected] I would love to hear from you.
Thanks for your continued support and partnership.
