Folks have been asking me why I am doing The World Race ever since I announced that I was accepted. Well,
theanswer is simple: I just love people and have been wanting to do long term mission work ever since my very
first mission trip.
My very first mission trip was a big one. I went to Albania in Janurary of 2008. This was with my college group and
was a huge,but happy surprise. I was talking to one of the leaders (and now one of my dear friends) about what
was going on in the ministry. She mentioned the yearly trip to Albania and that she and a few others had signed
up to go. I responded to that with, "ohh me too!" It was implusive and based on me getting spolied with getting to
do almost everything the ministry offered that year. However, this wasn't something I could just dive into. The
deadline to sign upwas past and I was just a little behind on fundraising deadlines as well. Jessica ( the leader at
the time) told meto talk to the pastor and see what would happen.
I asked the pastor if I could go and he responded with an enthusiastic , "yes! We need more guys. i'm glad you
asked." This was amazing. I went home bowled over. I couldn't believe that God called me to something so
huge.
We were in Albania for two weeks (I didn't think that was long enough even before I got my heart set ablaze). It
was amazing. We spent time with some younger kids (elementry aged) who were learning english as a second
language. They were really cute.It was funny because neither the kids or the college team spoke much to each
other. I was surprised that we were so shy,but most of us were on our first mission so it made sense. We also did
a little sightseeing and bonded together as a team. The main focus of the mission was to encourage and build
realtionships with the college group at the church (Emmanuel) that our church had (and sadly has not been able
to sustain) a partnership with. We went to bible studies and church services and spent time with the college
group. This was great. We saw how even though we speak different languages then the congregation and the
students, we both worship the same god and thus are bonded beyond cultures and language.
I came back with a heart for service and an expanded world view. Even though The Word Race will be my first out
of the country mission since Albania,God used that first trip to show me that I have a passion for overseas work.
I am so excited for The Race. I get closer to it everyday and I am so greatdul that god has blown my mnd again by
calling me to do things I never thought I'd ever do.
