I have been on the World Race for 5 months and oh my goodness it has rocked my world in the best ways. I’ve made lifelong friends, been stretched way outside of my comfort zone, and have cried more than I ever have. However the growth I’ve experienced in myself and with God is something no one can ever take away from me. With that being said, the race isn’t for everyone. Here is my take on why you should NOT go on the race…
1. Don’t go on the World Race if you don’t know your why. I know this may seem like common sense, but unfortunately this is a big issue. If you don’t know why you’re on the race you won’t make it the full 11 months. The World Race is more than an 11 month mission trip. It’s a year of growing deeper in intimacy with your Heavenly Father as He redefines your purpose as His son’s and daughters. When I said yes to coming on the World Race, I knew that I was not just going out into the world to serve the least of these and take pictures of children in Africa to post on social media. I knew that God had some work to do in me and it wasn’t going to be all fun and games. In fact it was probably even going to be painful at times, but I knew that what God had for me is worth the not so fun times I would face over the next year.
2. Don’t go on the World Race if you don’t want to grow. Growth WILL happen. Like I mentioned above the race is more than a missions trip. It’s a discipleship program that challenges you to dig deep in intimacy with God to walk in all He has called you to be. Here’s the thing, as long as you have breath in your lungs you’re always growing. If you think you have arrived and know everything about this life God has given you, you’re in for a rude awakening. Humble yourself before the Lord comes in and does it for you, trust me you don’t want that. You will come home from the race a changed person whether you like it or not.
3. Don’t go on the World Race if you don’t like people. There is no such thing as alone time on the World Race. You’re in constant community 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You will learn what it looks like to be in true community and how God intended for it to be. Friends, it’s no joke, you will laugh and cry together, but you will also fight. Being an extrovert I didn’t think that I would struggle with this part of the race, boy was I wrong! I have found myself having a lot of fun, but I have also found myself extremely overwhelmed and in the middle of conflicts. The good news is I have learned so much about healthy communication in the midst of conflict and confrontation, and I am better communicator and person because of it.
4. Don’t go on the World Race if you don’t want your beliefs or ideas about God challenged. The World Race is an interdenominational organization. I am in community with people who come from Methodist backgrounds and even Catholic backgrounds. It can very difficult as I come from a spirit filled non denominational background and my beliefs are challenged a lot. However we are learning how to come together as fellow believers and listen. Not necessarily always agreeing with each other, but listening to each other’s point of views and perspectives. Choosing to learn and love each other through our differences and also realizing that we all are still maturing in our own faith journeys.
5. Don’t go on the World Race if you want to be comfortable. The World Race is everything but comfortable. I am talking physically and spiritually. Over the last 5 months I have been stretched majorly out of my comfort zone. Physically I have been uncomfortable in my living. I have slept on a tile floor in my tent because my sleeping pad popped after 3 days on the race. I can count about 3 times I have actually had a hot shower, and I have had to use a squatty potty infested with cock roaches just last month in Malawi. If you know me personally you know that these things are not things I would choose for myself on a daily basis, but God. Spiritually I have had to learn to find comfort in my Heavenly Father in the midst of my discomfort, I have gotten the opportunity to preach a sermon at a church in Africa after only finding out the night before. The World Race isn’t comfortable, neither is it supposed to be.
Obviously, as you have read my heart you can see I am not trying to discourage anyone from coming on this life changing journey. If anything I want to encourage you that this is not a fancy vacation around the world for 11 months. Instead it’s an experience that will change your life for the better if you know why you’re saying yes and if you choose to put in the work. I am so thankful for all the Lord has done in and through me over these last 5 months. As always thanks for your continued prayers and support!
Much love,
Kayla
