The how
I want to start off by sharing the seven key questions: Who, What, Why, When, Where, How, and How Much. It is said that these fundamental questions, are best for covering the basics and helps understand a situation and its context. I meant it when I said I wanted to take you on this journey with me. We’re going to kick this thing off with the “How”. Often when I try to answer this question I stumble on my answer, it feels so big and the reasons are too many. I don’t get a clear answer out and I leave others with more questions than answers.
On my morning hike, I started thinking about The World Race and everything before I surrendered to the call to follow God in this journey. When I spoke with admin at Adventures in Missions a few months ago, I continually asked “where is the funds raised going?” I had trouble with the idea that I felt the need to help and serve others, yet the money being used for this feat seemed a bit steep. I thought about my childhood growing up in a house of seven. I thought about the food banks my mom would take us. I thought about the times she would make us give thanks to a church for paying some of our bills. I remembered the Christmases with a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree and one gift for each of us. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I understood my father’s struggle, moving from San Mateo, CA to Gainesville, GA with no money and a family to provide for. Shortly after the move, my father was in the hospital and out of work for six months. We were “poor” in the sense of having things. So being told I needed to raise $16,000 to help and serve others I thought “Wow! There is a lot you can you with that kind of money. That life changing. What is it going to?” I kept being told it was for me. That is would cover travel, lodging, administration, visa, medical insurance. That it would pay for this and that for me. It all felt selfish. I thought I don’t need to spend this money to know where I stand, I know what God’s called me to do, and that the money I have and raised I could do lots of things for others.
As I preyed for confirmation on rather I should go on the World Race, something changed inside that forced me to focus my perspective. I saw me, the money, and The World Race. So what changed? During a conversation with God, he asked, “What are you trying to prove by serving others?” I replied “To be a blessing to others however I can, like I know you’ve blessed me.” I was confused as I finished that thought. “That’s not true.” I thought. As He waited on my response, (like many things) I realized the answer was “Jesus”. I am being called “To love others like Jesus, to show the love of Jesus, and to serve Jesus”. All along I thought of me, and what I was doing. I was concern about my image and the praise going to me for “saving these poor people.” I humbled myself to my place as a servant of the kingdom. 
So how did I get past from my comfort zone to prepare for the unknown, Jesus. I need help doing so but if the money is the reason for doubt. I hope I can show you as well that this adventure is not a vacation. This is a mission to show those in “poor” spirit that they are loved by us and by Jesus. If you find yourself asking how I came to want to go live out of a pack on the other side of the world, it’s Jesus.
I’ll get to the other six here shortly so be on the look out. Thanks for reading and God bless.
