This blog is going to be me answering common questions I get about the world race! Let’s just jump right into it!
Which church is this trip through?
It’s funny you should ask that. It’s actually not put on through a church. The world race is put on by Adventures in Missions (AIM). AIM is based in Gainesville, GA. AIM “exists to mobilize a generation of radical Christ followers, discipling and training them to establish the Kingdom of God.” They are interdenominational, bringing the body of Christ all together. They believe there is one God and that the Bible is the inspired word of God. If you want to read more about AIM’s beliefs go here: https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=about&subtab=believe
AIM also has other trips: passport (college aged, summer trips), gap year, and expedition.
You might remember back in 2016 when I went to India. I went with AIM’s passport trip! They have sent out over 110,000 people. 4,500 of those being world racers. They have 1,150 ministry partners across the globe and they have reached over 80 countries. How awesome?
Who am I going with?
Since this trip isn’t through my church, I don’t personally know anyone going on the race. I know who they are, but I’ve only met one of them! We have a big group message going on, so I’ve been getting to talk and fellowship with them for the last 9 months or so. They are some pretty incredible people.
The age range is 21-35. People all over the U.S. and sometimes outside of the U.S. come together for the world race.
The way the world race works is they launch world racers usually three times a year. This year they have already launched racers in January, the next group will be mine in August, and then the last group will go out in October.
In August there are 5 squads launching. A squad is made up of everyone who chose the same route. Since there are 5 squads, that means there are 5 different routes that you could choose from. Each route had different countries on its list. I chose route 1. Everyone else in my route has also chosen route 1.
My squad has around 30 people. Closer to launch, we will be put into teams. A team is a smaller group of around 5-10 people who will do ministry together. From my squad there could be anywhere from 3-5 teams. Each team could be in a different location around the country. For example, when my squad is in Ukraine, one team could be in Kiev, another in Lviv, and another in Odessa. Or we could all be in the same location doing different ministries in the same area.
How are you preparing for the trip?
First and foremost I’m preparing through prayer. Lots and lots of prayers. I would love for you to be praying for me and my squad!
Second, I’m fundraising! I have to raise $18,100 to go. So far I’ve raised 50% of what I need. If you feel led to give you can click the orange “Donate!” button above.
Third, in order to prepare for the race, Adventures in Missions puts on something called “training camp.” Training camp will be from June 3 – June 14. This is where I’ll officially meet my squad! This is also when they’ll split us into teams. For training camp, I’ll take my backpack, my sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent, and all that fun stuff! We’ll camp out on AIM’s land. There will be daily/nightly worship, workshops, speakers, and so much more. We’ll have meals “from” other countries and practice living in a different culture than our own. We get to do a little hike with our packs (2.2 miles in 38 minutes…or else…dun dun). Training camp is a time to get to know who we’ll be spending 11 months with, growing in our walk with Christ, worshiping, fellowshipping, and physically and mentally prepare for the race!
When do you leave?
I am launching in August. We will all meet back together in Atlanta at the beginning of August (3rd or 4th) and then we’ll be flying out not too long after that.
Where are you going?
I am going to Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. In that order.
We don’t know where exactly we will be in each country yet. We will find that out closer to time.
How many people are going with you?
I already answered this above, but in case you’re skipping around looking for your Q&As, I’ll tell ya again.
My squad has around 30 people. Closer to launch, we will be put into teams. Teams make up the squad. A team is a smaller group of around 5-10 people who will do ministry together. From my squad there could be anywhere from 3-5 teams. Each team could be in a different location around the country. For example, when my squad is in Ukraine, one team could be in Kiev, another in Lviv, and another in Odessa. Or we could all be in the same location doing different ministries in the same area.
Why am I going?
I am going on the world race because I trust and believe this is what God is calling me to. I have a passion for missions, travel, and adventure. I think God has used my passions to lead me to the world race. I have a desire to see the world and spread the love of Jesus along the way. I think this is the perfect way.
I also feel as though God is calling me to a time to fully live for Him with no distractions. Obviously, this is how we should all be living our day to day lives, but lets be honest. Our day to day lives can be full of distraction. At least it is for me. I think there are things He wants and has been trying to teach me, that He just can’t teach me where I am now. I want to grow to be bold in my faith and learn to listen to His voice.
All in all, I feel called. It doesn’t make sense. I’m not qualified. I just love Jesus, which I guess is all you really need.
Why now?
Honestly, there’s no better time than the present. I currently have nothing holding me back or tying me down. Due to some scholarships I received in college, I have to teach in SC for 4 years to “pay” back the money I received. They give us one grace year to use within those 4 years. I love teaching and I think it would be much harder for me to up and leave everything behind for 11 months if I started teaching first. I think the experiences and growth I’ll have on the race will make me a better teacher for my students. So here I am, fresh out of college, ready to conquer the world, and go on the world race!
Which country are you most excited for?
I’m honestly excited for all of them. I’ve never been to any of the countries on my route. I have always felt a pull to Asia, so I’m super duper pumped for those. But I’m excited to (hopefully) get better at Spanish while in South America. I’m just hyped for every country!!!!
If you have any other questions, shoot them my way, I’d love to answer them!
