Hi guys!
If you’re reading this then by now you know that I have decided to go on the World Race in September, 2015! This is such an exciting time in my life, but it is also an extremely challenging time. I am 21 years old and a junior in college. I have lived in the same town for all of my life, always being around my family and friends. I am recently engaged as of December 18, 2014 and in the midst of finishing my junior year, preparing for the World Race, and working, I am also planning a wedding! I really enjoy relaxing and watching movies, spending time with my friends and family, and of course my cat, Samson. I have a 7 year old brother who I am very close with, and leaving him for 11 months will be one of the most challenging things about accepting this new adventure into my life. I have only been camping twice, both times were in a tent on the beach, so I’m not sure that counts… I think most people thought I was crazy when I told them I had applied, and been accepted onto, the World Race. Mainly because I am not an “outdoorsy” person. On the original application one of the questions was “What are you most afraid of about the World Race?” and my answer was “That I will get accepted, and then not go.” This is true for so many reasons… fear of leaving my home, my cat, my best friends, my family, and my fiance. Also, the fear of sleeping outside for 11 months, showering outside, not having access to all the luxuries that I am so accustomed to, and the food. Bigger than all of those reasons is the fear of not being adequate for such a challenge. I have been told time and time again that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. In praying about my decision to apply for the race and to accept my offer to go, I focused a lot on asking God to make it clear to me that this was something I was capable of doing. It was very important to me that I was actually equipped for going on the World Race, but more importantly, that I was called- instead of pursuing this for selfish motivations. In all honestly the World Race terrifies me. The idea of being away, not feeling secure, not seeing the people I love, and stepping out in faith to trust that this is the path God has paved for me.
Isaiah 6:8 says:Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (NIV)
This is one of my favorite verses and in times of doubt it is often something I turn to. It is so comforting to know that God calls us all, as the body of Christ, and as individuals, to go into the nations and spread His word and His love. When all the doubts I have about the race begin to overwhelm me I rely on this truth to remind myself that this is what I am called to do, and this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
I am so thrilled to have this opportunity, and to share it with all of you! I hope you will subscribe to this blog, send me any questions, comments, or any concerns you may have. But more importantly I hope that you will join me in prayer for this trip.
Lots of love,
Courtney
