In 135 days, my Squad will take our last steps in the United States for the next 274 days.
In 135 days, my Squad will start living “doing life” together 24/7.
In 135 days, I say goodbye to my friends and family for 9 months.
I’ve received tons of questions from people about this trip, and I decided to go ahead and answer a few.
1) Why are you leaving for 9 months? Couldn’t you go on a 2 week mission trip instead?
Yes! I could. In fact, going on a 2 week mission trip would save me a ton of work. There’d be less fundraising, less of a struggle, and less time doing big things. But a 2 week mission trip isn’t for me, and it’s not what He has invited me to do with Him. God has challenged me to abandon the biggest thing keeping me from a better relationship with Him: comfort. Where I’m at now, there’s comfort in almost everything. Comfort in my jobs, comfort in my relationships. Then there’s the “I get to go home and sleep in a warm house on a soft bed at night” kind of comfort. He’s asked me to throw the things I value the most aside, so I am. Is it easy? Heck no.
2) You could start working in a few weeks if you weren’t leaving in September.. Why don’t you stay?
You’re right! I could start working in a few weeks once I pass my national registry and become a certified EMT, but the good news is, the medical field, and other jobs, will still be here when I get back. Also, I personally don’t want to start my professional career at 18 and never look back. I’m still a kid!
3) How are you going to raise that much money?!
Letters. Phone calls. Social media. That’s my plan right now. That and trusting that the Lord will provide me with everything I need to go on this journey, because He has called me to go be His hands and feet to the world.
4) You’ve said missions can happen here at home, yet you’re leaving!
Missions can happen anywhere, especially where God leads you. Most people think that you absolutely HAVE to go abroad and cross an ocean in order to do missions, but the truth is, you can do it in your own community! Whether it means serving in your church, going on local mission trips, volunteering in a homeless shelter, it can be whatever God puts on your heart. I personally have loved going on missions trips for a long time, and for me, one week was never enough. On top of that, I have always wanted to travel and experience different cultures. But the cool thing about God is that He doesn’t give our heart desires just to tease us. When I found out that the Race was something I could participate in, my heart was overwhelmed because it was exactly what I had been looking for. I encourage you to ask Him how your skills and talents can be used to further His kingdom, but be warned.. you may not get the answer you were looking for, and may get called to do something radical and out of the ordinary!
So I know that sounded like you just read a cheesy brochure, and my apologies. If you have any other questions you want answered, please feel free to ask, no matter how crazy they might seem!
**If you would like to partner with me, either prayerfully or financially, please let me know! My first Deadline of $5,000 is approaching quickly and I would love for you to be a part of this journey with me!**
Until next time,
Deirdre
