“Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
751 Days Ago:
I left Bible College because of numerous circumstances all circling around the fact that this is not what God has called me to do. It’s kind of funny though, because you would think that the Lord would want any one of His children in a college learning more about the Bible. But this was not the case for me. I began searching for His path for me.
671 Days Ago:
I turned 2 decades old (20) today. Nothing specific has shown up but I was beginning to see the world and it’s actual inhabitants. I used to only look at Oregon and the people I know in Oregon and the cool things that there are to do in Oregon and the outlying islands of Nevada and Montana where my parents lived. But I was beginning to become selfless for once in my life and I didn’t understand what that looked like.
667 Days Ago:
A previous World Racer came to my church and talked about her experiences on her insane journey. I hated that she was there. Because I realized that this is what was next for me and I wasn’t ready. I went on ahead and decided that when a route would open up for me then I would sign up. Sure, I was obedient but I was also very doubtful. 
447 Days Ago:
New Year’s Eve. I was fundraising, meeting with potential supporters, and all the while I put on a face that shows that I wanted to do this. In reality, I didn’t want to. I was scared out of my wits. I’ve never traveled east of Montana. How could I journey thousands of miles to other countries?
373 Days Ago:
Today was the day of my dinner & dessert auction fundraiser for the trip. I was praying on 80 people showing up but expecting 30. I didn’t think people would take me seriously. I was 20 years old, dropped out of Bible College, and now asking people for their money to travel around the world. More than 120 people showed up that night. I began to see purpose in what I’m doing. 
262 Days Ago:
The last 110 days were full of the unexpected. God provided money, He gave me His wisdom, shed love through various outlets, introduced me to my squad who is traveling with me, amongst many other blessings. I was about to travel to my first country on the Race and I felt ready for it.
255 Days Ago:
I made friends with a group of Muslim youth. They are so loving.
241 Days Ago:
We gave food away to those who don’t have any. What made that day was their response: when you expected greed and desperation you got joy and hospitality. I was speechless. 
188 Days Ago:
Our third month we did English classes at night with the “Russian’s” in Transnistria. I met a good friend who I am going to call Tony. Tony loved vodka and sex. He was inappropriate, crude, and one hell of a loving man. To be able to teach English to him was both a honor and highlight to this journey.
179 Days Ago:
Ending another month in a fit of bitter sweet moments. From having a man who speaks no English say ‘I love you’ to hugging the Russian kids in a tearful goodbye. I can’t stop seeing reasons of why I’m here. 
150 Days Ago:
I met someone who wanted to be dead. His house burned down, lost his job, and when a beggar on the street asked us for money, he gave away his last bit of money to the beggar. 
140 Days Ago:
Of all the things that I could assume would happen on this trip I would never have guessed that I would be one of the Squad Leaders. It was just so confusing. There were many more qualified, wise, and selfless leaders on this squad. But I took it knowing that God doesn’t hesitate nor does He not know what He’s doing. I began the process of learning discipleship. 
125 Days Ago:
More than 8 kids held my hand at the same time walking down the dirt pounded street of a village in India.
110 Days Ago:
When a Christian says over and over again, “I thank God for a brother like you.” you really see more of God in the everyday ‘mundane’. 
88 Days Ago:
Making mistakes as a leader hurts both the flock and the leader. But even through that, I was encouraged and lifted up by them.
70 Days Ago:
Walked down the streets of the slums in South Africa praying for people all the while seeing the beauty of God in what we would see as dumps. 
55 Days Ago:
Even though God called me to be the hands and feet, He still blesses me with the little things. Like sunrises on the beach, Doritos, surfing, RVCA clothing. I began calling my God, ‘Papa’.
36 Days Ago:
For the first time I wanted to quit. I think it might have been at the back of my mind the whole time but I see it clearly now.
29 Days Ago:
Taking orphans to the pool = another highlight of the Race. 
26 Days Ago:
On this day I stepped down as Squad Leader. I was looking at the world through the ‘leader filter’ because I made the mistake of changing who I was to fit the criteria. When all along, being myself already fit the criteria. On this day I will begin the rest of my journey serving and doing what Papa called me to do.
12 Days Ago:
A Christian man opened up his home for our team to live in.
9 Days Ago:
Visited centers for the blind & disabled today. Even if it was just for a moment, it was one of the best days on the Race. 
3 Days Ago:
People all around us are shedding their personal ways of love onto us that will forevermore shape our character because Jesus resides in each of them. I am so overwhelmed.
Yesterday:
50 young people actually seeking out truth in life is an ultimate sight.
Today:
There is purpose in being a missionary. I realize that now. It’s not about getting 1,000 people saved for Christ. It’s not about preaching to every person who has ears that work. It’s not about seeing miracles upon miracles. To be a missionary, all you have to do is love and cherish in the little things. Anyone can do that, you just have to put your perspective in place. 
To be a missionary I relied on all of you for your support and I thank you. You made this possible. I still need $3,000 for this trip. The leaders at AIM have shed grace on me to finish but I still need to pay for it. Please consider dropping a dollar my way. I love you all.
