There is only one constant in life, and that is change. I am the proud possessor of an adaptable personality, so if there’s one thing I love about life… it is that it’s constantly changing. So, I’m writing to inform you all of a huge change:
I’M ON A NEW WORLD RACE ROUTE!
It’s a crazy story. A couple weeks ago, the rest of the routes leaving in January were emailed with an opportunity to switch to a special route (called a Fusion Route) that just needed more Racers to launch. This Fusion route still launches in January and is still 11 countries in 11 months. But everything else about it is different and new and exciting and ahhh! 🙂
So, what’s different, new and exciting then?
First, the team. A regular World Race Route consists of approximately 50 either 18-22 or 22-35 year old American individuals. A Fusion team, however, is open globally and is maxed out at 25 members. So, instead of just young adult Americans, I’ll have someone on my team from Madagascar, or El Salvador, or Venezuela, or Greece, or Germany…the possibilities are endless!
My team will be extremely diverse and you all know how much I love diversity, learning about new cultures and new ways of doing life. Exciting!!
Second, the countries. Here’s my new Route:
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Spain, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines
Do I need to explain why I’m SUPER stoked about this? I will anyway, and if you don’t want to read it, just skip to reason number three.
Europe, y’all. I’m called as a missionary to Europe. You’ve probably already heard me share my heart about it and how I feel I will be specifically planted in Ireland. For the most part, they’ve already been introduced to God and have some sort of idea who Jesus is. But a lot of these people have been hurt by the church, officials of the church, and have really only seen religion & hypocrisy. They haven’t necessarily seen relationship & grace. First world culture is difficult because they don’t need a whole lot. Sure, there’s homelessness and hungry all over, but a majority of first world countries have it pretty good.. that’s why they’re first world, right? So, instead of showing these cultures Jesus by providing a physical need, we have to find a way to connect on a deeper level. Somehow, we need to get their brain to rethink and rework their already set (and most likely incorrect) perception of Jesus. Freedom, guys. We’re breaking religious bondage and it’s literally what I went to college for. (cue Chandler from Friends) Could this BE anymore perfect?
Third, the Holy Spirit is going to plant us where He wants us. This is probably the most challenging aspect of a Fusion trip. On a regular WR Route, the WR staff and logistics team figures out the all the details for us. They communicate with the organization/church/ministry we’ll partner with, plan out where we’ll lodge, and what our day-to-day schedule looks like for the month. None of that happens on a Fusion Route. As a team, we take the last couple days of our time in one country, do research as to what our options are concerning aspects of ministry and then pray about where the Lord is leading us as a team. When we figure out where we want to start, we solidify the plans and head out. Basically, we are our own logistics team.
So, why is this route?
I’ve been on a bunch of missions trips before (which y’all have faithfully and graciously supported me on) so I’m great at showing up to an already established ministry organization and doing what I’m told. This is different. I don’t have an already established friendship/relationship with any of my team members or know their personalities, preferences, convictions, or where they are in their relationship with the Lord.. Also, as adaptable as I am, I like to have a plan to adapt from. We won’t have that set plan to potentially deviate from, and that’s going to take some getting used to on my part. Consider this challenge accepted.
So, how does this affect YOU, my supporters?
I want to keep you updated on every decision I make throughout this entire journey. You are choosing to have faith and send me around the world for an entire year to spread the gospel and grow the Kingdom. By sending me, you are also reaping your rewards in heaven! Everything that happens next year is because of YOU. You’re a part of this, too. Also, this trip is cheaper, so… also a win for us all! 🙂
All of that to say, this type of trip is going to challenge me in more ways than planned…and if I’m going to uproot myself and be away from my dearest friends and family for an entire year, I want to challenge myself in the biggest ways possible. The only guarantee I have is that I’ll come back changed.
Let’s. Go.
