And So, I Am Going….

"What exactly is the World Race?" 

"What sort of things will you be doing on the Race?"

          World Racers are asked plenty of questions.  One question that comes up a lot is, "How did you get involved in this program?  What led you to decide to do something like this?"  Today, I'd like to share with you the story of how God spent a great deal of effort convincing me to go on the World Race.

         The first time I heard about the World Race I was in my senior year of college.  While perusing Facebook, I noticed an update from Mary, a friend I had met playing lacrosse in high school.  She had written a status about an upcoming mission trip and was raising money.  Curious, I scoured her previous posts to learn more.  Pieces of information slowly formulated a rough outline of her trip. 

Eleven countries in eleven months…….

          My first thought was, "Wow!  What a cool experience!"  My second thought: "I would love to do something like that.  Too bad I probably never will…."

          For the last three years, the World Race has remained in the back of my mind.  It's been a point of interest, something I look into every now and then.  I've always been a fan of traveling.  The adventure of going to foreign places and meeting people from unfamiliar cultures thrills me.  I've also always been a fan of serving others.  Helping people comes almost as naturally to me as breathing.  The idea of going out into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus fires me up.

          Meanwhile, life continued on for me.  I graduated from college with a dual degree in Early Childhood and Special Education.  I moved back home and began applying for teaching positions in my hometown.  I knew the job market was tough, so I applied to be a substitute teacher as well.  I am now nearing the end of my second year out of college and I'm still subbing.  Although I enjoy it, it has been a little discouraging not to have my own classroom.  Despite being told frequently by other professionals that I am a good teacher, it seemed like doors of opportunities for being hired full-time would somehow snap shut at the last minute.  This was confusing for me, because teaching children is something I've always known would be a part of my future.  I assumed I would dive straight into teaching after college.  (I also assumed I would be married by now.) 

          (Here's a tip: Don't assume your plans for your life are the same as God's plans for you.  Your assumptions are often wrong, and God's plans are always better.)

          Since Mary's Race I have watched a few more friends rally support and go on the Race. My perspective has always been that the Race is an amazing way for God to work through His servants, and that it's exactly the sort of adventure I would love to go on, but that God would never call me to it. 

          In recent months, I began checking the World Race website almost every time I was on my computer. 
I found myself thinking about the Race…a LOT.  Some nights I'd stay up late, glued to my computer screen watching videos and reading blogs of Racers and their incredible experiences. 

          My heart would melt at the sight of orphaned children looking thrilled to have someone reaching out to them, loving them.  Then I'd read a verse in my Quiet Time about caring for orphans and think, "Lord, am I doing this?  I want to, but have I sought out the opportunity?"  I would read about Racers sharing the Gospel with someone who had never heard it before, and think, "The Word tells me to 'go and make disciples of all nations.'  Does He really mean that for me?"

           Slowly, I realized I was feeling more than just an interest in the World Race.  I felt like God was leading me to actually GO on the World Race.  Despite acknowledging a building desire to go on the Race, I spent more than a few weeks telling myself this was an impossibility for me.  I was misinterpreting God.  I believed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," but thought God would never actually call me to be a missionary in foreign countries.  I told myself, "There's NO WAY He's planned something THAT crazy for me.  Only "super Christians" are called to be missionaries, and I'm just me.  God wouldn't use plain old Kelsey Graydon for something this big."  I didn't feel nearly qualified enough to pack up and leave my normal life to literally live out the Great Commission and share the Gospel around the world. 

          (Here's another tip: Don't tell God you can't do something He's calling you to.  You're really just saying you don't quite believe HE can do it through you.)

          Despite my "evidence" to the contrary, God would not let it drop.  I could not shake the feeling that I was supposed to go on the Race.  Themes of stepping out in faith and putting aside fear cropped up everywhere: in my Quiet Times, in sermons at church, in 10 second messages on the local Christian radio station.  I prayed, "God, I find it hard to believe, but I feel like You really may be leading me to this.  If You're not and I'm just crazy, please show me that!"

          Late one night, against my better judgment, I began my application.  I asked God to shut the door if He did not want me to be a part of this mission program.  I committed to being willing to go if that was what He truly wanted for me.  Over the next few days, I watched with amazement as green light after green light urged me forward.  I worked up the courage to tell my parents I was applying for the World Race.  Their response: "That sounds like that would be perfect for you!"  I spoke to a trusted friend and expressed my doubts that I could be called to a ministry like this.  My attempts to argue against it only convinced her further that God was leading me to go.  Obstacles I expected I would have to tackle came crumbling down even as I approached them. 

        As I completed my application, I began to consider where the Lord had brought me so far in my life.  With a new perspective, I discovered skills and experiences in my past had intentionally occurred to prepare me for this next chapter of life.  I thought of Esther in the Bible, hearing Mordecai tell her "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  I began to consider my current circumstances, and saw how the Lord had coordinated them to fit His plan.  Suddenly in my lack of a full-time job, husband, and place of my own I saw a convenient freedom to pick up and go where God has called me.

          Within two weeks of submitting my application, I got a phone call.  I was officially accepted to the World Race.  My life since that day has been a whirlwind of activity.  I've been busily making lists of equipment I still need, researching vaccinations required to enter the countries I'm traveling to, telling friends and family the news, and planning fundraising events.  The daunting prospect of raising $15,500 (the cost of the entire trip) looms overhead.  Even though that is a large sum of money, and I am certain I could not raise it on my own, God has already given me a peace about it.  I know the Race is what He has called me to.  I know He wants me to go, and $15,500 is what it is going to take to get me there.  I know my God is greater than human problems like money, and that He works "all things together for good….for those who are called according to His purpose."  I believe that He will provide. 

          And so, I am going. 
          I am going to leave all that I know and love and travel to places unknown. 
          I am going to eat things I've never eaten before. 
          I am going to serve in a greater capacity than I ever have. 
          I am going to see things and learn things about my God that I don't even know I don't know! 
          I am going to have to put my complete trust in the Lord in every way. 
          I am going on the World Race.