I’m back! I am excited to get into all things World Race with you guys over the next few months. I want to start posting regular blog posts every Sunday along with special announcements throughout the week (so make sure you subscribe!).
Since I’ve made the announcement that I have decided to do The World Race, one of the most commonly asked question from people is “how did you decide to do this” or “where did you hear of this”. The answer to that question spans over the course of about 5-6 years so I will try to give you all the footnotes!
The first time I ever heard of Adventures in Missions and The World Race was in 2014. I was getting ready to graduate high school and start my freshman year of college at Southeastern. Somehow during one of my usual late night Youtube binge watching sessions, I stumbled upon some videos of a girl who was currently on the race and was vlogging her experience. Of course the adventurer in me was immediately intrigued and I ended up following her for the entire 11 months. I didn’t think much of the race, only that I thought it was so cool that she was able to experience so many places all while bringing people to know Jesus.
Fast-forward to my years at Southeastern. Adventures in Missions and The World Race was common talk among those at SEU. I would go a few months or even a year without it crossing my mind until I would come across another Youtube video or someone on campus announcing that they were leaving for the race and then I would become infatuated all over again. There were a few moments where I contemplated taking a year off to do the race but would always have my Opa’s voice in the back of my head saying “you need to finish college!” or “don’t give up the future for the present!” (Yes Opa, I do ACTUALLY listen to what you say!). So with a little Opa on my shoulder telling me not yet, I focused on finishing my bachelors and masters degree.
This brings us to about 4 month ago. I had been working at my current job as a mental health social worker for about 5 months and I felt like something was missing. I was working in the field I always thought I wanted to work in, I had a “big girl” job, I was paying all my bills and living my adult life, but I still felt like I wasn’t satisfied in what I was doing. I felt like I was helping my clients superficially but was not able to give them what they really needed; the hope of Jesus. Again, the story brings us to another late night Youtube binge watching moment when I came across another World Race video. I ended up spending hours watching videos, looking at the upcoming routes and thinking “maybe NOW is my time”.
I spent a few months examining my heart and my intentions of possibly applying for the race. I prayed and prayed and prayed some more and used those first few months to really make a decision between God and I. Long story short, after lots of prayer, seeking counsel from some important people in my life, and completing the application process, I was accepted and made the big decision to say YES.
I say all this to say that I truly believe that The World Race has ALWAYS been apart of the plan that God has had for my life. I have spent the past 5-6 years being gently tugged towards this crazy beautiful adventure and now is finally my time to say YES. I am so grateful that the Lord has been slowly preparing my heart all these years to take on this big YES that I have said in faith.
I hope this gives you all a little bit more insight into how I made this decision to join The World Race. I know this is no small feat and it was not a decision I made lightly or on a whim. But I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity to say YES to God and the plan that he has put in place for my life.
Thanks for joining in on this journey with me!
Erica
