DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING?
WHY?
ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DO THAT?
While a lot of people are very supportive of my decision to do this mission trip, there are others who don’t seem to get it. These are just a few of the questions that I have received. And though it does bring me down a bit, I understand where they are coming from.
One thing I’ve learned is, people don’t think I know what I’m doing. YES. I do know what I am doing. And YES. I know what I am getting myself into. This was not a decision made on a whim. Those of you that know me well know that I do not make decisions easily. At all. I’ve thought about going on a mission trip for a couple of years now, but wasn’t involved in a Church. I saw pictures and heard stories every year from people I went to high school with and saw how much of a difference and impact that they were making. I realize that this is a big leap. Especially for someone like myself who doesn’t travel out of her small town that often. Other than her 25 minute commute to school. But I want to be a part of something bigger. Like I said, this decision was not made easily. I ignored it at first and it kept popping up on my social media. (way to be persistent!) I finally looked into it and immediately fell in love but I thought “there’s no way I can do this“. And though I thought that, I couldn’t seem to get World Race out of my mind. Again, God kept putting posts of people going on World Race: Gap Year in my face. I looked into it again and began praying on it. After a couple weeks of praying for God to guide my decision, I got the courage to talk to my mom about it. My first words to her were “I know you’ll probably say no. But I just have to ask. So please don’t say no.” If you know my mom, she does not like it when I start off conversations like that. (it’s usually the important ones I start like that) Anyways, when I finally got to asking her about Gap Year, my eyes were filling up with tears (yes, I’m that emotional. Plus this is important to me). I knew that this is what I wanted to do. And after weeks of praying, I knew that this is what God wanted me to do. I was surprised to find that, after telling her and explaining everything about it, her first words were “Go apply”. I had butterflies while applying and still do to this day. The fact that I get to spread God’s word gets me really excited. And if we’ve talked in person about World Race, you can see how happy this make me.
The other thing I’ve learned is: Everyone reacts differently. When I explain World Race: Gap Year to people, a lot of them are overjoyed. I’ve gotten a variety of different responses. “I’m proud of you”, “What an inspiration”, “You will do so good teaching about our Lord”, and my favorite, “I’ll be praying for you”. But never did I anticipate the question “why“. The last two questions came from my grandparents. Though others have asked these same questions, my grandparents were the first and attached, “you want to travel with all that is going on overseas?”. Since I grew up going to Church with them I thought they would be more excited about my mission trip. However, I didn’t put into consideration the fact that, well, they are my grandparents. They are going to be protective. But for others that don’t know me well and ask “why”, well that confuses me. But maybe it shouldn’t. God called me on this trip to help spread His word to those in need. By communicating with others about my trip I am stating what I am doing. But those that ask “why”, well I get to explain how my love for God and His love for me is bringing me to people around the world to; tell my story, share God’s word, and show the people in need that there is hope. For three months at a time, three times in nine months, I get to go deep into communities serving those most in need.
THAILAND: Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. I will have the chance to change lives- where I may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
MALAWI: known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is a place you visit to ignite your passion for God’s love. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. I’ve been told by people before me that I’ll fall in love with the people of Malawi and won’t want to leave. (guess I’ll just have to go back)
GUATEMALA: Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. I will be traveling to people gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion. I will have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe a miracle or two.
Thank you for giving this a read in an attempt to understand my decision. And a special thank you to those that have become a part of my support team, spiritually and financially. I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity and having your support to make this a reality truly means a lot to me.
God Bless,
Carrington
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