As May begins, I am only 4 months away from my Race. I keep saying “next year on the Race” and then I stop myself and realize, wait I’m leaving this fall. I’m leaving in less than 120 days. First stop China!!!!
I can’t wait. I watched a video the other day of a team in Nepal who needed to cross 13 rivers with their packs to get to the remote village they would be working in that month. I watched the video with excitement thinking, OMG I want to do that! I want to take the road less traveled and explore and live in community with people! I want to grow and learn and be torn apart and built back up to reflect Jesus. I want to build strong bonds with my team and learn at least one thing about each person on my squad. I want to love on natives and hold babies and play soccer with little kids. I want to go to an orphanage. I want to see creation and just stand in awe of God’s vastness and awesomeness! I want God to literally shock and amaze me so all I can say is, “Dude did you just see that. Dude God is awesome! Go God!” God goes before me. He has set the stage and is guiding my steps as I go! It gets me so excited!
I told one of my classes today that I won’t be back next year. They were all surprised. I told them where I would be going and what I would be doing. One girl balked and said, “how will bring your curling iron?” Another girl commented on the size of my bag and clothing options. I got so excited as I listed off all the countries I will be visiting. I am so blessed to be able to afford this trip and have the opportunity to leave my job for a year of missions.
What could be better then seeing the world out of a suitcase? All I know is the 11 countries I will be traveling to. All cities and ministry sites will be learned when we get there. I love people (I’ll have 60 on my squad). I love change (I’ll be doing different things in each country). I don’t have a strong attachment to the concept of home. I refer to home as where ever I lay my head for the night (Good because I’ll be traveling to a new country each month). I am content with what I have (I’ll one have 1 backpack of belongings). I am flexible (Last minute changes to the schedule will happen constantly).
I could be a World Racer for life. I could be a full time missionary. It scares me to admit but I love God and helping people so much that I would love to have the opportunity to get “stuck” in Africa or Asia. Ah, I just burst with excitement for the life God will set up for me as I follow him.
Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. God Bless.
Nepal Video: http://vimeo.com/60052303
