To say that I have had a relatively easy life (comparatively speaking, of course) would be an understatement. I have always had both of my parents involved in my life. I have always had everything that I needed (notice that I didn't say wanted) including a roof over my head, a comfortable bed to sleep in, nice clothes to wear, etc. My question at meal time was never "are we going to eat?" but "what's for dinner?". I have always been given every opportunity to succeed personally, financially, educationally and spiritually and was expected to do so in each of these instances. To an extent I always thought that everyone everywhere had these same opportunities and circumstances. That worldview was shattered a couple of years ago when I began an internship at an inner city elementary school. As the year progressed my heart began to break for those who didn't have these chances and I began to see the direction my life was going a little more clearly. At a conference in late 2009 that direction was confirmed as I heard from people who had given their life to work with those in poverty both here in the United States and abroad.
Early last year I was intruduced to The World Race by a friend of mine who was living in Georgia at the time. I thought that it might be a nice backup option for me after I finished my Master's degree but over the course of time it became clear that this was more than just a fall back option as this trip was constantly brought to the forefront of my mind as I researched and read the blogs of others who had gone before me and were doing some of the things that I wanted to do. I saw the needs that they were meeting and the impact that they having in areas of the globe that often go unnoticed by Western society. In need of a sort of spiritual reboot and desiring a similar impact, I sensed that this was something that God was calling me to participate in to gain an even greater sense of perspective, a global sense if you will. So here I am, not knowing what these next few months have in store but still committed to something that I suspect will change me forever.
