By this point, I think we all realize this: I am not your typical racer.
Exotic foods? Hate my stomach.
Hiking? Yeah, I fell down that mountain.
My Pack? The nice man at REI helped me.
Adventure? I still sometimes get traveler’s anxiety. As in, the Lord has been working miracles to make that only sometimes.
Getting to do life with 56 other people is awesome, challenging, and sometimes really annoying (just being honest). One of the many, many beautiful parts comes from hearing squadmate’s stories, adventures, and prayers. One of the favorite questions this month has been “So, how’d you decide to come on the World Race?”
For so many of my squadmates, they were brought here by random life events, a needed change of pace, or they wanted to pursue missions. Others simply wanted a year away with God to serve, and then…there are those like me; the ones who accidentally and stubbornly found themselves here. For many of my friends and family, I haven’t told the full story…and for future racers like me, I want this to be told.
A year ago in January, I had my heart broken by a boy (cue sad music). A boy who I thought I wanted to marry & a boy I felt confident that the Lord had confirmed I would marry. As you could have guessed, when it suddenly ended, I was extremely hurt, confused, and angry on so many levels. Being the stubborn and sassy human being that I am (shocker), I started looking for options that would not only vary from the plan I had all throughout college, but one that may potentially freak out said ex (insert evil laugh). Oh, Jennie.
Intro, the World Race. I had known several friends that had gone throughout college and seemed to love it…and I had always said “heck no…this is NOT for me” seeing as my only international missions experience was moderately a bust due to my own humanity and anxiety. Nevertheless, a still small voice told me to fill out the application….and it took me a month. I was overly honest, hoping that I could honestly say I tried and got rejected.
Obviously after two interviews, 9 months of preparing, and 3 months on the race, my plan was GOLDEN.
I will say, I bawled like a baby when I got accepted because I knew it meant I had to go.
Darn you, obedience to the Lord.
The race is hard, let it be known. Its also really, really great. It will stretch you, break you, mold you, and reshape you. Your bowels will hate you, your teammates will love you, and your hosts will trick you into eating cow stomach and cow heart both in the same week (I kid you not).
I’m thankful that I applied for a race that was almost a year away because it allowed me to transform why I came on the world race. Initially (and sadly), I applied because of a broken heart. I never said I wasn’t dramatic, okay? But honestly, I committed to the race because I knew that I needed to change. I knew that I needed to leave and serve the kingdom of God in a different way. I needed to get over and around myself. Perk? I know now that I desire to live in America and do all that I can to bring international relief…and travel a few times a year! Missionaries, I got yo back (one day). I have learned that I am so so so thankful to be in each new country with the new and wonderful people, and I have learned that it is okay to miss home. I’m thankful that I applied for a race that was a year away because my heart was allowed time to heal and fall in love again, but this time with my best friend. The right one. Giving myself that 9 months allowed me to leave in the right way. Oh, also, my relationship with said ex? Just fine. He’s truly a great guy, and I’m thankful for his friendship.
God knew that he needed to break me, so that I could fall into the path I was supposed to be on.
It is okay to stumble into the race, because God will catch you, and the good Lord will lead you ever step of the way. No matter if you are the “typical” racer or not (they say there isn’t a type…but others do embody it a little more than I do). Plus, those wandering traveler types that are always at the hostels you stay smell that you aren’t one of them anyway. Who are you trying to fool? Not their earthy selves.
Entering into month 3, I’m both nervous and excited for what God is going to do in me and my team. We lost our beloved men to manistry month so now I get to take on Chile with 7 other amazing women…also, pray for us to find new contacts…furthermore, homegirl just wants a place to rest her weary little head. God is good, and this race is worth it.
Go ahead and apply.
From this unintentional missionary to you, much love.
