Hello All!
So I was scrolling through Facebook and saw where one of my fellow teammates had typed out some of her most frequently asked questions with her responses. Meanwhile, I’m out of an idea for a new post at the moment so Abi, I hope it’s ok I’m stealing your idea!
- “What even is the World Race?” “Is it like the Amazing Race?”
As stated by the World Race homepage: “The World Race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom.”
In other words, It’s this crazy journey I’ve signed up for that will have me living out of a backpack for 11 months, traveling to places I never dreamed I would actually be able to see, meeting and serving with people I’ve never met from all across the country/world, and completely abandoning all ideas of comfort for the soul purpose of serving our God.
To say I can’t wait can’t even begin to cover it!
- “How much does something like that cost?”
My race specifically cost around $16,300. Before you say this is too much, take into consideration that this covers our travel, food, and lodging. Our medical insurance is also covered in this cost. Things that I may choose to do just for the experience (bunging jumping . . . etc.) are not covered in the cost and will come out of my own savings for my trip. Take into account that I’ll be traveling to a total of 11 countries and this will be my cost of living for a year spent traveling. Not too shabby right? Please, if you want to support me financially, then click the “SUPPORT ME” tab at the top of the page! Every bit helps. BELIEVE ME.
- “What will you be doing in each country?”
If I’m being 100% honest, at the moment I just don’t know. To give you a broader answer, each month of the trip will look completely different. Some days will consist of construction projects, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for those in need wherever our feet may land. Other days will be slower. These days may have us shopping for food, cooking said food, and just spending time with the community around us. Regardless of pace, every day will have us just being immersed in God’s kingdom work.
- “What made you want to do something like this?”
If two years ago, you had approached me and told me that by the time I graduated college I would be preparing myself to spend a year surrounded by people I didn’t know doing ministry, I’d have laughed in your face you crazy person you. I’ve never been a very people oriented person, so that would’ve just been the most extreme suggestion ever. But God works in mysterious ways and changes our heart. He led me to sign up for a trip to Haiti with my church and its college ministry and my outlook on His plans for me were flipped completely upside down. In the past year He has changed my heart for His people and looking back it’s impossible to overlook how He was molding me for the Race all along. God is crazy cool y’all.
- “What will you miss the most?
Blah. This is too hard to answer on the spot. Catch me when I’m hungry and I’ll be quick to tell you my mom’s home cooking . . . and Taco Bell. Find me after a day spent wandering by myself and the introvert in me will tell you I’ll miss the times when I’m by myself and making my own schedule. The answers change all the time, but out of them all the one that remains constant is HOME. Leaving my mom and dad (and our funny farm of a home) for a year is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. BUT! I’ve seen God working through us all, preparing us. Though leaving will be hard, God has His hand in it all, and I trust that.
Also, my pets. They’re my children.
- “What place/places are you most excited about?”
With the route I am on now, definitely Vietnam. History is by far my favorite subject and the fact that I’m getting to go to a place as historically rich as Vietnam is ridiculous to me! Falling in a close second and third would be the Philippines and Zambia (I’m not sure why specifically, just the fact that I’m getting to go!) Also, insert plug about traveling the world during the Olympics–> THAT’S SO COOL.
- “How can I support or pray for you?”
One of my biggest sources of prayer and anxiety over the past three months has been money. It’s one of the most uncomfortable subjects I could possibly talk about and trusting in someone else’s timing is never easy. However, I am confident that full support of this trip will happen! In addition, prayers specifically over my team and the individual places we will travel are key! Pray for our hearts to be changed for the good and our eyes to be opened to God’s will. For me individually, pray that my heart not be guarded against new relationships that will form. Pray for boldness in my walk. Pray for the days I will feel like this wasn’t all worth it. Pray for the days that I’ll feel like I’m making a true impact as well as the days that I don’t.
If you have any further questions feel free to find me on Facebook or to email me at [email protected]
Hope this cleared some things up! Peace to you all!
Wades
