I will be writing this post as a letter to my future self when I am all the way in a different country. For when times get rough and need to remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing.
Dear Future Self,
When you first heard about the World Race and what the organization was about, what the groups would be doing in three different countries, you were ecstatic. You could not wait to become one of those “Racers.” It took weeks of hard-core prayer and sensitive listening to where Christ was going to take you, and with several opinions from others and a strong God-moving desire, you chose to go on this journey. You wanted to reignite a passion to follow Christ and to test your own faith in different waters. God put this open door in your path for a reason. The World Race is an amazing opportunity to share the hope of eternal life through Christ’s sacrifice for the world! Through this experience, you might see people’s faces light up when they hear of the gospel, maybe for the first time, or you might experience rejection, but through it all Christ will be with you and you need to stay attentive to Him and where He is leading you.
By exposing yourself to different cultures, you will be able to live life through a new perspective. You will see Christ’s calling to other parts of the world, as a “fisher of men,” with a new pair of eyes. Pray that God will humble your heart and make you vulnerable to life-changing experiences.
Also, you are on this mission trip to enjoy the people around you and to make memories of a life time. You will be telling endless stories that begin with, “Remember that time” or “I remember when…” Each and every country will have its own treasures and regions of beauty, so soak in every moment and breathe in the air of Ecuador and Peru! Take a look around you. Search for those opportunities to go zip-lining, eat a tarantula, travel around a volcano (just not inside please), go visit ruins, and listen for the different sounds that you might not hear in your hometown. You will be living out of a back pack for nine months, so you will be able to experience a little bit of what Bear Grylls goes through. How cool is that?! In addition, you have always wanted to go backpacking and have enjoyed being outside, so take your time in those moments and really take in every moment.
Sometimes, the hardest journeys build the strongest teams. Through the ups and downs, your group will become your 9 month family. This is another reason why you chose to go on this trip. To build team work and leadership skills. Make yourself vulnerable and be open to your group even when it is hard. Be honest and have patience and pray over those friendships because who knows if you might run into another best or life-long friend?
Finally, take the advantage to figure out and take note on maybe hidden talents, what you love, like, or dislike. Maybe this is a call to missions full time, or a chance to discover where God is leading you next after the World Race.
Overall, be open to change and let Christ guide your steps and learn to love the way He did.
Do not forget that these reasons are why you are on the World Race!
