“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are made for.”
For those of you who know me, you know decision making and change are not my favorite things. And yet here I am, announcing that I am leaving in October for the World Race! That involves a BIG decision and A LOT of change! So what has brought me to this point? Simply put, I was called to follow a simple two letter word: I was called to GO.
So let’s break this down for a minute:
What is the World Race?
The World Race is a journey to 11 different countries in 11 months to “serve the least of these” while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom. It facilitates discipleship through the process of discovering the abundant life He promised while building partnerships with ministries around the world.
Where are you going?
I will be heading to:
India
Nepal
Vietnam
Cambodia
Botswana
South Africa
Swaziland
Argentina
Chile
Bolivia
Peru
How are you feeling?
The catch of the two letter word “GO” is that there are two parts that happen simultaneously: To move forward, and to leave behind. How am I feeling? So many emotions. All at once. I am so at peace about this decision to go. Peace that His plan is perfect. I am beyond excited for the things God is going to show me and teach me over the next year.
But to leave? I am scared. The world is a scary place. There are diseases, natural disasters, and terrorism to worry about – just to name a few. But there are scarier, more personal things. The fear of living in a community of strangers and being vulnerable. The fear of leaving a great job and having to fundraise support to live on the mission field. The fear of missing big things back home – friends getting married, friends having babies, and the bigger fear of losing someone while I am away. Am I prepared to live out of a backpack for a year? Am I mentally strong enough to deal with the hurt and suffering that I will see month after month? Am I qualified to be labeled as a missionary and to teach and share my story?
A quote from an article I recently read said, “It is necessary to do this sometimes, to leave the concreteness of something good for the hopes of something great. There will always be that moment where you don’t know, where you aren’t sure about anything, and where it feels like maybe letting go of what you are sure of was the craziest, stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”
The truth is, I will never be ready enough, strong enough, or qualified enough. However, I can be sure of one thing. God is all of these things and more. He is bigger than my fear. When I’m sitting in my bed with high speed internet and coffee in my hand, He asks for more. He is more concerned about my character than my comfort. He is more concerned about my faith in His plans than making sure I feel content and assured before I make a move. So I go. Into the world of discomfort, of unknowns, of dependence. Ready to join me?
How can I help be a part of your trip?
Great question! I can’t go without you.
First, I would ask that you pray for me and my team as we prepare our hearts to serve. Pray for the countries we are visiting, that hearts would be open to receiving God’s love and gift of salvation. Pray for discernment to know how we can best serve each other and the people we encounter. Pray for safety. Pray for peace for us and our families as we prepare for this journey.
If you would like to consider supporting me, I need to raise $16,961 to fund my trip. This money will cover my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip. I will also have additional costs to cover my gear and immunizations for the race. You can donate to me by clicking the “Support Me!” button at the top right side of this blog and following the instructions. Thank you in advance for your generosity, prayers, and encouragement!
LET’S GO!
