Hello everyone! This will be my last blog written in the USA. I leave tomorrow, the 10th, to start the physical traveling journey of the World Race. I say the “physical traveling” because the journey started in my heart long ago, its been changing me and drawing me closer to Jesus for months now. But, it is time to leave. Me and my squad leave on our first flight at 11:15, have a 9 hour layover in LAX and then have another flight to China, with another 9 hour layover, and then FINALLY the Philippines. We land in Manila on January 12th at 4:35pm. So here’s a quick overview about some FAQs and just information on what me and my team will be doing.
- What kind of ministry will you be doing? It changes on a month to month basis. Depending on the ministry we work with that month determines what we will be doing. We will be working with local ministries that are already established and serving the people in their community. For example, one month we may be working with an orphanage, another we may be building and doing manual labor, or we might work with sex trafficking victims. This month we will be working the Valenzuela Christian School in Manila. I’m unsure of all that we will be doing since we haven’t arrived yet, but they do sunday services, bible studies, youth bible studies, wednesday night services, and prayer meetings throughout the week to provide outreach and the Kingdom to the local people.
- Where are you going? Currently this is our route in order: The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ireland, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania. The routes can change depending on if there is unsafe ministry environments or if there are travel issues with getting into the country and its going to be an issue. But, for now this is the route my squad is taking.
- Are you excited? Yes, so excited for what God has in store for me and the squad and team I’m on. But, there is sadness also. I’m leaving my family, best friends, all things comfortable and familiar for the next 11 months. I think there is certain amount of dread with leaving home for that long. But Jesus has been good and held me, he has given me strength to let go.
- How much money does it cost? the total cost is $16,250. And…get ready for it….I’m FULLY FUNDED! Jesus has been faithful, he always is, always has been. The money we raise as racers is just for the essentials (food, housing, water) anything else we want (tourist attractions, extra clothes, extra snacks) all comes from personal spending money.
- Why do you need a tent? Sometimes on the World Race our ministry hosts don’t have the capacity to house all of our team and we will still need shelter …so, we bring tents and sleeping bags and all the fun stuff that is required for outdoor living. yay!
- What is launch? Launch is the last step before actually leaving the country and starting the World Race. We receive some more training, what to expect on the race, and preparation for the journey we are about to take.
- What is the difference between your team and your squad? I am on N Squad. The World Race launches squads three times a year and they go through the alphabet to identify them. I am on the third generation N squad, meaning they are now on their third cycle through the alphabet! So cool to think of all the ones who have gone before us! So, N squad is made up of 50-something people and we will all be going to the same countries, taking the same route. But, the squad is divided into 8 teams each with 6-7 people per team. So, when the squad travels to the next country they will then divide into their teams and spread throughout the country to different ministry sites and do ministry that month with their team of 6-7. Then when our time in that country is over, we will all meet back up as a squad and travel to the next place, then split into our teams.
- How do we contact you? The best way to keep up with what I’m doing is this blog (chelsealemon.theworldrace.org)! Also, I will be taking my iphone and when wifi is available, be able to txt. You can also reach me on Facebook and when I have internet connection I can check in that way too.
So, to update you on what is going on currently, I have been in Atlanta, GA since the 6th at launch. Launch has been amazing! I’ve been bonding with my team and we have already made some really great memories. Launch has also been hard. I had to say goodbye to my parents and that was hard, but necessary. Jesus never said it would be easy, but He does promise it will be worth it and that He be would be with us. He is worth it all.
Lastly, to update you on the work He is doing in my heart, last night during worship He showed me a vision of me crawling up into His lap and crying as He comforted me after saying goodbye to my parents, family, and everything familiar. We learned at training camp in October the importance of grieving the losses in our lives. His Word says “blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” We must grieve to know His comfort. Leaving my parents and family was something I had to grieve, I desperately needed his comfort to carry me through. After the tears had stopped we got up and He began to walk with me with his arm around me. As we walked He stopped and bent down to me and pointed and said, “Now, look over there.” I didn’t see anything but knew He was showing me something. I turned and looked at him and asked, “What’s over there?” He didn’t answer right away, but began to show me through the lyrics of the song that was playing during worship what he was revealing to me. The lyrics were “you go before me.” And I knew that He was telling me that He goes before me, He has prepared the way. Then, I look back in the direction He had pointed to and I saw a road, it was made of light and it was straight as an arrow. Then He whispered to me “I am over there.” And all my fears and uncertainties began to vanish as He showed me, in His great love and care for me, the plans He has for me. He is with me here in this place He never leaves me, but He is also where I am going. He is already at work there too. He is with me every step of the journey. His light illuminates my way, His word is lamp for my feet and light on my path. What incredible love! This journey will not be an easy one, but I don’t want easy. I want Him. So, I will jump with abandon into His open arms and follow Him to the nations and the journey He has prepared in advance for me.
To the ones who have helped me get here, Thank you! You are going with me tomorrow. Your love will touch every orphaned heart, your support will lend a helping hand to each weary and worn down ministry contact who is on the verge of quitting because they don’t know if they can go one more day, your gifts will go to help serve His people and advance the Kingdom by making His love known to the hearts of His sons and daughters. You are with me, your prayers have already helped in strengthening my heart to let go and live in the abandon He has called me to. Thank you, my love and gratitude goes out to each one of you. I thank the Father for you. I’ve asked that God give back to you more than what you gave. Thank you for you love, your support, your willingness to help and be a part of this journey, but most importantly thank you for remembering me in your prayers. And for joining my story while some pages are still blank, you will help write the words on the pages of my heart.
Please leave any further questions you may have in the comment section and I will get back to you!
To know Him and to make Him known,
Chelsea
