I recently realized that I haven’t had the chance to give you all any updates on what’s going on with World Race related things lately, and some of you may not have known some of these things in the first place. So without further delay, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I’ve encountered.
Are you going to be on TV?
Haha, I hope not. Quick point of clarification, there is a difference between the World Race and the Amazing Race. And while I’m sure the Amazing Race would be a really cool experience, I think the World Race will be much more rewarding.
Where are you going again?
I will be spending a month each in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
How do you pack for an eleven month trip?
It’s hard! I have a 65 liter backpack and a 25 liter daypack, and that’s all the packing room I get! So I’ll have a tent, sleeping bag, an inflatable sleeping pad, about a week’s worth of clothes, some toiletries, and a few other odds and ends, and that’s about it! Part of the experience of this trip is abandoning the excess that I have available at home, and while I will have what I need, I am purposefully not going to have everything I might want
What will you be doing?
At this point, I still don’t have specific answers to this question. The short answer is, whatever our ministry host needs us to do. Each month, we will be working with a group of people who are already doing ministry in these countries, and we’ll be partnering with them. This may include evangelism, church planting, discipleship, children’s ministry, preaching, teaching English, construction, working against sex trafficking, and more. So I guess the best answer I can give is, I’ll be doing a little bit of everything. If you want to know specifically what I’m doing, follow my blog and stay informed! *wink wink*
How’s fundraising going?
It’s been an interesting learning experience. This whole thing is so much bigger than me. One of my initial worries in signing up for this trip was finances, and in all honesty, there was never any way that I could earn $17,617 by myself. I knew from the beginning that if this was going to happen, it would be God who was going to have to make it happen.
So currently, I have raised just a bit over $12,500, which means *drumroll* ….. I have hit my second fundraising goal a little bit early, and 100% officially get to launch with my squad on August 4th. That’s more than two-thirds! So to all of you have partnered with me financially, and made this whole trip possible, thank you so much!
So now what? I have a little more than $5,000 left to raise. I technically have a little while until I absolutely have to have that money, but I would love to not have to think too much about it while I’m out ministering. So if you have a last minute idea for a fundraiser, please let me know. And if God’s nudging you to partner with me and help me help people, it’s definitely not too late!
Do you get to do any sightseeing or fun things?
First of all, I should clarify that helping people is something I enjoy, and if there was no opportunity to have fun days, or go sightseeing, I would still go. But the answer is yes, we will occasionally have the opportunity to take some time off and do “tourist-y” things. If you want to find out specifically what I end up doing and seeing, you’ll just have to subscribe to my blog to find out.
Are you excited or stressed?
I have so many things running through my head right now that it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly I feel. It’s not an easy thing to just leave my life behind and go into situations where I don’t know what will happen. I think most people would be at least a little stressed about that. That said, I am more excited than worried. Matthew 6:34 says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” It helps to know I’ve got a powerful God on my side, carrying me through this whole process. So excitement? Double check. Stressed? A bit. Worried? Nope.
What are you most looking forward to?
I find this question tough, because I’d have to have a good idea of what’s coming to say for sure! I’ve had a desire to help people since I can remember. God has blessed me with more than I need, and I want to share what I have to offer with others. So what am I looking forward to? I’m looking forward to helping others, and in doing so, making the world a better place one moment at a time.
Please tell me you’re taking lots of pictures?
Yes! I don’t have a super fancy camera, but I do have a nice little point and shoot camera that I intend to use a good amount. So they won’t be professional grade pictures, but they should still be good. These pics might make it over to Instagram, but if you want to be sure to see them, follow this blog! (Are you noticing a pattern here?)
How can I be praying for you?
This is my favorite question! Right now, please pray for me (and my squad too) to raise all the funds we need, to make all necessary preparations, and to have a good, productive last month here in the States. Also, be praying that God would begin preparing the hearts of the people we will encounter in our first destination, El Salvador. I would also love it if you would pray for our health, both physically and spiritually, as well as safe travel.
If you have any questions that I did not address here, please don’t hesitate to ask me! I’d love to tell you whatever I can. Thank you all so much for your support!
