Going into the World Race, we were advised that having expectations could be the biggest obstacle of our growth process because it would distract us from the incredible things that we were experiencing in each moment. Given that this opportunity is one that many people only dream of, I would be foolish to not heed this advice. I want to be present for the entirety of this trip, and allowing my critical eye to disrupt that would be incredibly disappointing.
Despite my best intentions, remaining flexible and releasing my expectations about relationships, finances, & The World Race has been a great challenge already. I am beginning to understand how much of my happiness requires my willingness to accept life for what it is, and to not dwell on what I want it to look like. Training camp was as huge test of my expectations, and I found out something pretty big that kick started the process of "letting go":
My route has changed.
Though the reason I chose my specific route was to work in South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda… I am excited about the adjustments that have been made to our year's plan. I'll admit, at first I was disappointed. In middle school I watched a documentary about Uganda and the movie Hotel Rwanda… and it opened my eyes to the need in Africa. Shortly after that I found out about the organization called Invisible Children, and I knew that I wanted to make a direct impact in the lives of the people there. When I first reviewed the routes, Uganda and Rwanda were the two non negitionable countries. I would go there. end of story. Then, it came down to two other routes. One with South Sudan, and the other with Kenya. Though South Sudan was perceived as being the most dangerous of all the countries by many people I spoke to about this…. I felt an instinctual push to select that route.
When we got to training camp, it became evident that the route decision for the rest of my squad was based on South Sudan. Interesting…
So, official route announcement time came at camp and everyone was really excited/nervous. We assumed that atleast one country would change, otherwise they would not share a disclaimer about our route expectations. Even within that, our team was not expecting the information we received.
4 countries changed.
4. – over 1/4 of our route!
We are no longer going to Uganda, Rwanda, or South Sudan. – the 3 specific countries I thought I was called to.
In addition to that, Thailand was pulled as well.
I was excited about Thailand, as my brother traveled there a few years back. I thought it would be a great bonding opportunity to share our experiences when I returned.
After going through a cycle of emotions, I have whole heartedly accepted the route as it is and am so excited about the journey ahead of me. 🙂 There is a bigger picture than I could ever conceive of, and I know that God will do incredible things through my team.. wherever it is that he takes us.
My finalized route is as follows:
– Philippines – Malaysia – Vietnam – Cambodia – India – Nepal – Ukraine – Romania –
– Swaziland – Mozambique – Malawi –
– – – – – – + – – – – – –
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." ~ Exodus 23:20
