From
the beginning of training camp, we were challenged to be flexible in
and even surrender our expectations. The one thing to expect going
into The World Race is CHANGE. Our first major experience with that
was when we were informed on day two that our Race route has changed.
For a few reasons, we will no longer be going to Israel or Egypt
(though I still intend to go to Israel at some point in my life), but
instead, the countries following those couple of months will be
bumped up and we will end our time with a couple of countries in
Central America, likely Guatemala and Nicaragua. We will also not be
starting in Ireland but rather in Romania or Ukraine and then be in
Ireland for a massive worship gathering of World Race alumni and
participants called The Awakening in August. This brought mixed
feelings to our squad, understandably. For me personally, it brought
great excitement. Going into this journey, I was excited about the
countries we were going to visit, but the thought did cross my mind
that the one major area of the world to which we were not going and
where I thought it would be awesome to have a chance to minister was
the Central/South America region. Furthermore, when I had originally
intended to go to India then Ireland over the coming year in my
search to pursue the heart of the Lord and discern His plans for my
life, I had envisioned having a very worshipful demeanor while in
Ireland, in the sense of being quiet before the Lord in order to hear
His voice and will…so this is quite fitting. When this announcement
was made, my mouth dropped open and the first thought that crossed my
mind and heart was a verse from Psalms — “Delight yourself in
the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.�
(Psalm 37:4), followed by words from a popular praise and worship
song, “You are good, You are good, and Your love endures forever!�
Though I have wrestled with this journey, the Lord is blessing me
nonetheless, and I am so thankful for the privilege to go to so many
nations to share the love and name of the Lord in the coming year!
