The two most frequent questions that I’ve been asked since being on the field is, “How are you? How have you been on the World Race?” I want to backtrack a little bit and bring you guys up to speed before I talk about the present.
About a year and a half ago
On March 25, 2017, I posted on Facebook asking people to pray for me. I had a prayer request. I heard about the World Race and was wondering if it was in God’s plans for me. I felt like He put it on my heart and mind. After thinking about the World Race for months, I was still super hesitant about the whole thing. I didn’t understand why God would be calling me to something like this. I thought a World Racer had to be adventurous, super outgoing, and an extrovert. I’m not outgoing, I’m shy, and I’m an introvert. So it wasn’t making sense to me at all. But I decided to trust in the Lord and be obedient. I applied for the World Race and told myself, if I got accepted, then that’s a sign from God telling me to go on the World Race. Once I got accepted, I was overflowed with emotions. I was excited, scared, confused, worried, etc. After getting accepted, I made up my mind that I was going on the World Race. I wasn’t 100% sure that I wanted to but I knew that God did.
Training Camp
Training camp was super crazy for me. I knew that training camp was going to prepare me for the World Race, so I was excited and nervous. After arriving to training camp, I was second guessing everything. The majority of my squad are extroverts which made me feel like fish out of water. I started questioning God. Why me? Out of all the people you could have chosen for this, why me? One night during worship at training camp, He answered. I heard Him say “Karrie, I called you to this, but I didn’t say it would be easy.” And that’s the clarity I needed. I was letting fear get in the way of Gods plans for me. Things started looking better for me after that. Our teams were announced so I was able to start creating friendships with those I’d be with for the beginning of my race.
First month on the field
The first month in Panama was great. God was definitely looking out for me. My first month of my race was a nice transition from my old like back in the states to a world racer life. My host family was the best. They treated us so well and treated us like family. The hard work taught me a lot and our team grew closer together. We were still kind of strangers but soon became family. I thank God for the perfect first month that He gave me. He knew exactly what I needed.
Transitioning
After the first month, I knew next month was all squad month. Which means all 32 of us would be doing ministry with each other for the month. This worried me. Going from being around 6 people to 32 was a little overwhelming for me.
Second month on the World Race
This month is going better than I thought it would be. The ministry that we’re partnered with has separated us into groups. So not all 32 of us are working together all day, which helps me. I’m more comfortable with doing ministry in smaller groups. Being around people all the time wears me out sometimes so it’s nice that I am able to “escape” to my room if I need to recuperate.
The present
So, to answer those frequent questions: I am doing great. I can’t believe how my life is on the World Race. It feels like a dream. I have learned so much, it’s amazing. The things that I am able to do and experience is life changing. Changing people’s lives and them changing mine. Learning how to be more like Christ and glorifying His Kingdom. I have to admit, it has been challenging at times, but God didn’t say it would be easy. I’ve learned that I grow when I am challenged, when I am outside of my comfort zone.
Fundraising
I currently have $16,120 out of $18,100. I need less than $2,000 to be FULLY FUNDED. Please help me continue to be on the field and expanding God’s Kingdom by supporting me. I love being able to be God’s hands and feet. I cannot do this without me. Please consider partnering with me on this journey that God has called me to do.
Thank you so much and until next time(:
Yours in Christ,
Karrie
