There have been several questions from many about the World Race. I want to take a minute and try to answer some of them, if you have a question, please feel free to ask.
Will you be safe?
Well… as safe as possible. The world is not safe, but precautions will be taken to be as safe as possible.
Will you be alone?
No. I will have a team of 7 or so that I will be with all 11 months.
Where are you going?
Swaziland, Botswana, South Africa, Estonia, Latvia, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Guatemala and Nicaragua. (Routes are always subject to change)
What will you be doing?
Everyday on the Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for sick at a hospital. Some days could be slower – shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for the team, and spending time praying for the community we are working in.
What organization is this through?
The World Race is a program on the inter-denominational organizations, Adventures in Missions. Adventures is an organization based in Georgia that has been sending people on missions for several years. For more on Adventures in Missions, you can go here, http://www.adventures.org/.
How do you pay?
To participate in the World Race, I will have to raise all my own funds throughout the next year. I have until December 31, 2014 to raise $16,285. This amount includes all I need for travel, food, lodging and medical insurance. This does not include travel inside the US (to Training Camp and to Launch), gear, and personal spending money throughout the year.
What about your job?
I will be quitting my job to go on the World Race. I hate to leave a good job at Wayland, but I know this is the next step for me.
Are you crazy?
Only one person has verbally asked me this, but I can see it in everyone else's eyes. I do not think I am completely crazy. Yes, I am leaving my job, my apartment, my family and life as I know it to travel the world, sleep on the ground and help the least of these in any way I can.
What will you do when you get back?
I will find a job, somewhere. I have no idea where or what, it is a little too far in the future to figure that out. I know I will find something though.
What about your family?
My family is being pretty supportive. I know most families don't literally throw their kids out into the world, but they know this is what I need to do. Yes, they are worried, but we all trust God to take care of me and them while we are apart.
How did you find out about it?
One of my really good friends, Amber, sent me a link one day. I checked out a few videos and thought I would give it a try.
What will you take?
Earlier I said that the cost does not include my gear and that I would sleep on the ground. The World Race provided a 5 page packing list that is a little overwhelming but do-able. I have purchased a 70L (it can hold about 50 pounds) internal frame backpack which will carry ALL I need for 11 months. In this pack, I must also pack a sleeping bag and tent. How will I pack it all or decide what I need the most – we will find out?
Why go?
Because I have been called. I have always made educated decisions (or so I think), I don't rush into anything and want to know all I can. This was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. After watching videos, taking the quiz, filling out the application, and phone calls from the World Race, I knew it was what I needed to do. This is the next step for me. Looking back on the past 26 ish years, I have been preparing for something like this – I just didn't know it.
Matthew 28:19-20
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
