Am I crazy? Probably. That’s the question you’re likely asking me, whether it’s out loud or in your mind. In case you haven’t heard yet, I finally have a plan for the year after I graduate (actually it’s definitely more like God’s plan). Except, it’s not the kind of plan that’s neat and easy like the next step on a staircase. This plan is more like stepping into an elevator, unsure of which floor I’m going to end up on. I’m not going to grad school or getting a job in my field right away, no. I’m going on the World Race, launching in June 2019. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry. I didn’t suddenly start training for marathons across the globe. It’s a missions trip to eleven countries in eleven months.
I know what you’re thinking, wow, that’s a long time. Believe me, I know. I’ve never been away from home for that long, let alone across the globe. This isn’t something I ever expected to be doing, but here I am. I recently just got back from a month-long trip to Peru through the same organization, Adventures in Missions (shoutout to everyone who supported my trip; it was life-changing!). While I was there, I was seeking the Lord in regards to what my next steps in life were. I had just finished my junior year of college, and I still had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated. I often prayed that if God would only reveal this to me, I would follow where He led without hesitation.
I thought I was open to anything until God told me to go on the World Race. Seriously, I tried to convince myself that I was making it up. But God just kept giving me confirmation after confirmation! Let me tell you how it went down. I was having some quiet time in Peru, staring at the Amazon River in front of me. Then I heard God say to me, “I want you moving like the water.” My first thought was, what does that even mean? I almost immediately dismissed it as my own thought but said, “God, if this you I need another sign, like maybe a boat or something.” I kid you not, a boat immediately appeared out of the corner of my eye. It was traveling upstream, and that’s when I heard, “You may be going against the current, but I still want you moving.”
The message seemed pretty clear at this point, but I still wasn’t convinced. I walked down the stairs and sat on our boat. That’s when I spent a lot of time in prayer, telling God everything that I was thinking and feeling, every hope and every fear. I told God how nervous I was about fundraising, knowing I hadn’t even been able to raise most of the money for my Peru trip. That’s when I decided to open my Bible to hear what God had to say to me. I did something I do a lot, which is open the Bible to a random page and just read the passage I opened up to.
I read Matthew 16:8-10, and that’s when Jesus is asking the disciples why they were worried if they remembered when God had previously multiplied the loaves and the fish to feed both the 5,000 and the 4,000. Let me tell you, I was straight up convicted. This was God’s subtle way of reminding me how he has always provided for my every need. I was letting fear stand in my way. After this, I was pretty much onboard with the World Race, but I wanted to make sure this specifically was what God had for me for this next season of my life. So, I opened to yet another random page. This time I landed in Ruth 2, where it was talking about Ruth living and serving as a foreigner in the land, much like I will be on the World Race. That’s when I knew it was for real.
I am called. And I refuse to let fear creep back into my life and try to hold me back. That’s a stronghold that God has recently torn down, and I will not let it be rebuilt. I’m choosing to chase after Jesus, leaving everything in my comfort zone behind as I serve in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Morocco, Ethiopia, Djibouti, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Ministry will vary from country to country and range from physical labor to kids’ ministry and everything in between. Regardless, I am excited for a year of service and personal growth.
While I usually try to take things on alone, this is something that I simply cannot. There are several things you can do to support me. The first is to donate! I need to raise $19,200 in order to take part in this trip. This covers all of my food, lodging, transportation, insurance, and other necessary expenses for the year. If you would like to partner with me and be a part of everything we do around the world, you can make a tax-deductible donation at www.catherinechoquette.theworldrace.org and click the orange “donate” button. Anything you can give is deeply appreciated! I know how quickly numbers can add up; I used to sell Girl Scout cookies. 🙂
You can also follow my journey and spread the word! The link I shared above can also be used to access all of the future blogs and trip updates I will be posting. I will do my best to keep you all updated as frequently as possible. Please share my Facebook posts regarding the World Race, especially once I start holding various fundraisers. Even if you cannot participate yourself, you will be able to reach people I can’t and that makes such a difference.
Most importantly, please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to go on the World Race. I know that this journey will not be without challenges, but there is so much power in prayer. And I know my God is so much bigger than anything that comes my way. Thank you all in advance for supporting me in any way shape or form! I know that if you step out in faith as I have stepped out in faith, God is going to bless you beyond measure. I love you guys!
-Catherine 🙂
P.S. Here’s some pictures from my Peru trip!
