Now that most of the people I know have heard a little something about the World Race, I think it’s time for the inevitable Frequently Asked Questions blog. Here are some of the questions I’ve gotten the most:
What scares you about the World Race?
Well, I’m a little scared of community living! I think it will be one of the biggest blessings and biggest challenges of WR for me. I’m comforted at the idea of traveling with a team who will become like family but, for an introvert, the idea of never being alone is a little terrifying. Fortunately, my experience in Honduras showed me how wonderful it can be to live in a close community of believers, so I’m sure that once I shake loose the habits acquired over 4 years of living along I will be fine.
The biggest obstacle to me will be leaving my family. I have two nephews who have turned out to be the most joyful blessing in my life, and the thought of leaving them breaks my heart. I’m finding, too, that my mind can work overtime to come up with things that could go wrong while I’m gone. I’m learning that letting go and trusting God means that I actually have to LET GO. It’s a work in progress.
Mostly, I think my biggest fear itself. I don’t want to get caught up in my fears: that something will happen at home, that I won’t be safe and healthy on the Race, that my team won’t like me, that I won’t want to continue.
So yes, I have fears, but they only have the power I give them.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
What are you the most excited about?
I am so excited to finally, finally be stepping out in faith by living the life God had planned for me. The last few years I’ve felt like I was stuck in limbo. I knew the kind of life I was passionate about, but I wasn’t confidant enough to make it happen. Don’t get me wrong – I love my life. If I spent the next year hiking around the Pacific Northwest, playing with my nephews, and spending lazy evenings in my quiet apartment I would be pretty happy. But I wouldn’t be fulfilled. THAT’S what I’m most excited about, that sense of purposeful contentment.
On a less serious note – I really like hiking. And mountains. I especially like hiking in mountains. I’m hoping to do some serious exploring in my free time!
Where will you live?
I wish I could tell you. No, seriously…I really wish I could answer that. I will be traveling with a tent and sleeping bag, if that gives you some idea! Our housing will vary country by country, so I really don’t know what to expect (except the unexpected – see my last blog for more on that). We may be placed with host families, or set up a mini tent city inside a church, or an actual camp outside. Now most of you know that I LOVE camping. Does that mean I’m thrilled at the thought of spending most of the next year sleeping on the floor/ground? Not necessarily. Still, I know that my current comfortable lifestyle is a blessing, not a necessity. I just might not want to go backpacking immediately after the Race…
Won't it be dangerous?
I know there are risks involved in traveling the world this way. Trust me – they've kept me up at night, too. I think the easy answer really is the most true, which is that I wouldn't do something like this if I didn't have to faith to say, "God is with us." That doesn't mean my possessions won't be stolen. It doesn't mean transportation in some parts of the world won't be sketchy. It doesn't mean I won't get sick. It does mean that we won't be traveling unprotected.
I know some of you may be skeptical of divine protection, so until you're convinced please know that the World Race staff takes every precaution to ensure that the safety of their missionaries is the #1 priority. It may seem like we're jumping in blind, but that's not the case! There is a lot of work and preparation done to keep us safe in the field. I know you're still worried. That's ok – please do pray for protection as we are serving! It's really the best way you can support us.
How much will it cost?
I am responsible for raising $16,285 to cover my travel expenses (between countries and in each country), living accommodations, meals, ministry costs, and international medical and emergency evacuation insurance. This does not include extra expenses such as gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, electronics, etc.), travel to and from training camp and to our launch city, malaria medication, and any travel immunizations my insurance decides not to cover.
Where can we send donations?
Monthly or one-time donations can be made by clicking the Support Me link on the left. Checks can also be mailed to Adventures in Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. Please e-mail me at [email protected] so that I can send you a donor card to include with your check. This ensures that it is directed into my support account. Those wishing to help out with gear instead can e-mail me for a peek at my REI wish list 
.
I've been so blessed already with a fabulously supportive church family and faithful friends, so thank you so much to those of you who have already contributed! As I'm sure everyone does, I really dislike the fundraising process, so I'm trying to remember, as one dear friend reminded me (you know who you are!), "Hey, it's God's money anyway." I still have a long way to go to be fully funded but I'm confident that it will be provided. God has already shown me how foolish I was to not give more credence to his providence!
I think that covers it! If you want to stay informed of what I'm doing (and you know you do!) you can sign up with the Update Alerts link on the left. Thanks for reading!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
