So through talking to many of my friends, family, supporters, acquaintances, coworkers, and strangers about my trip, I have found that although my support letter is somewhat descriptive, it does not begin to scratch the surface of my trip and leaves out a lot of the more fun and personal details. So I have tried to compile a list of many of the questions that I have been asked since becoming a World Racer. So here we go; hope it helps!!!
Q: Will you be running?
I will not be actually running as part of the mission trip. I will, however, try to keep up my love for running. I am really looking forward to being able to run in all the different countries, climates, and cultures.
Q: What are you going to do when you get back?
NO IDEA. For me to try to to plan what I want to do after this year being God's disciple would be absolutely absurd. I will be experiencing and partaking in things for the next year that will forever change me. Only God knows his plan for me at this point, and that is good enough for me 🙂
Q: Why not help people in the U.S.?
Because people in the U.S. need help too right? This is absolutely right! But since I traveled to Honduras in 2004 I have had a desire to serve in mission overseas that has never quite gone away throughout my jobs in foster care, residential treatment center, school social work, non-profits, etc. This isn't something I can really explain to someone, kind of similar to people who can't understand why I love running. My one response: It's a God thing.
Q: What if you don't raise all of the money?
Some people raise this question, which I see could be a valid concern. For me, it isn't. I have seen such wonderful things in this past month and half in fundraising and there is no doubt in my mind that I will raise the full $15,500. I have already passed the financial deadline for 2 weeks before I launch, and my next deadline is due in December, 3 months into my trip! That being said, if for some unknown reason I would not be able to meet the next deadlines, I would need to return to the States early. All the financial support is in my World Race account and any that had not been used yet would go to the organization.
Q: Who will you be traveling with?
I will be traveling with a squad for approximately 40-45 people on the route that I have listed. At the end of training camp(July 13-20 in Atlanta, GA) we will be broken up into our teams of 6-8 people. I will be traveling with that same team the entire race and we will be placed each month in our ministry together. Team changes can sometimes occur due to various reasons.
Q: Where will you be sleeping?
We will all have individual tents and will most likely be sleeping in them throughout the year. It depends on where our ministry is that month and if we can be housed with people we are working with. Time to get down with nature!
Q: Can you have visitors?
Sadly, no. No visitors are allowed. But facebook messages,skype dates, emails, and blog comments are so very welcome and needed!!!!
Q: Will you have internet access?
I will have access to internet, but again it all really depends on where my team is placed that month and how far we are from access. I will try to update my blog as much as possible to keep everyone tuned in!!!!
Q: What country are you most looking forward to?
This is a question that comes up a lot with people, and it is also a very hard one to answer. I am so excited for each country that I have the privilege of working in! Before I had thought I was most excited about Haiti and the Dominican Republic, mainly because I really love the Caribbean area. But the more I have thought about my route and read other racers blogs, the more pumped I get for Kenya!!! I have always wanted to travel to Africa to serve overseas, and it's finally happening. And it's the first stop on my trip!!!
Q: What are you most excited about?
I am sooooo excited for all of the children that I will be able to work with. I love love love working with youth; they have such an energy about them and can find hope in the darkest places and circumstances. I am also ecstatic to be able to experience so many different cultures and cuisines!
Q: Will you get any free time?
YEP! We get days off, which we can spend relaxing, traveling, getting necessities, exploring and seeing sights, or doing more ministry!
Q: What will you be bringing with you?
Ah that is a great question, one which I am still trying to figure out. I will post a blog right before I leave with what I all ended up packing. I will try to pack VERY light, but will need essentials such as my tent, sleeping bag and pad, mosquito net, headlamp, toiletries, medications, clothing, etc. It shall be very interesting trying to stuff it all in my pack!
Any other questions you guys have that I missed please ask away!!!!!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11
