So I have some really big news, like huge. If you don’t know me then you don’t know that I’m and open book and I talk – a lot. That’s why keeping this news a secret has been killing me.
For all of you out there who’s been keeping up with my “I have no idea what I’m doing with my life as a post-graduate” you’ll be thrilled to know that I’ve figured out my next move. However, it doesn’t quite look like everyone else’s post-grad life (Of course I have to be complicated). See the thing is, I am unsatisfied with the status quo. I want more than the 9-5. I came home from my summer mission trip and never felt more out of place. When you spend 2 months immersed in a world totally unlike your own, it’s a culture shock to return home to everyone still trekking along like you didn’t just get wrecked emotionally by the unjustice you witnessed.
The good thing, no the most humbling and unwarranted thing is, the Lord started preparing my heart for this next step years ago. Being a travel fanatic, I spent my college years drooling over the idea to one day be able to travel the world. With this in mind, the summer after my sophomore year of college I felt a call to missions on my life. I still remember standing in that non-airconditoned worship center at mission-fuge watching the missions video for the week. I began to cry as my heart exploded into a thousand pieces as my heart ached to meet the needs of the broken and love those the world cast aside. Totally unsure of what this call meant for me I was encouraged by a friend to continue school and trust that the Lord would pave the way for me to one day GO.
Two years ago, I shared with my roommate these two desires — missions and travel. She shared with me The World Race. As confused as to what that was as you all are right now, I began to search their website: theworldrace.org I quickly learned that the World Race is a mission trip that allows you to visit 11 countries in 11 months. Enthralled by the possibility of adventure, I was hooked. The catch? It costs $15,000+. As I laughed off that possibility in disbelief I would ever hold that much money at a time, a piece of this adventure lodged itself into my heart. Over the next couple of years I would sparatically find myself back on their website, taking the “do you have what it takes to be a world racer” quiz (which I totally failed, many times #firstworldprobs) following blogs of world racers, liking their Facebook page, and dreaming of this distant fantasy of one day being able to go.
This summer as I prayed without ceasing over the Lord’s provision for my future, I found my way back to the World Race. Confronted by my supervisor with brunt questioning of my plans for after the summer, I lightheartedly shared with her the dream of the World Race. She, on the other hand, is an empowerer, and takes nothing lightly. As she pressed me to set my fears and disbelief that God could ever provide or that I could ever be prepared for such a journey, (heck I’m not a hiker. I’ve never even pitched a tent) I began to pray over this possibility becoming a reality.
With encouragement from her, my summer missionaries, and close friends, I took the leap and APPLIED. The application was gruesome and forced out every honest recollection of every sin and struggle to the point where I looked at all the blood on my hands and figured “they will never take me.” The most beautiful picture of the Lord taking all of our blood upon himself and making us white as snow was made real to me when I received my acceptance phone call 2 weeks ago. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life!!
Astonished.
I don’t deserve it. I haven’t earned it. I am not a pro or a perfect example of Christ in order to show the world how to follow him.
But Christ has chosen to take my sinful hand and guide me into the most amazing opportunity of my life. In January 2016, I will be traveling to 11 different countries over the period of 11 months. I will travel to
Costa Rica
the Dominican Republic
Haiti
Panama
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
South Africa
Mozambique
Lesotho
Cambodia
I am overwhelmed with excitement, shock, and fear. I can’t believe the Lord has opened this door for me. I humanisticly look at the finances and can’t imagine ever being able to raise that much money. I mean I don’t make that much money in a year, much less be able to raise it by the end of April. I HATE asking people for money or help. On top of that, the last minute person that I am, I have boarded this ship last call and have to meet my first goal of $3,900 by Sept 25th. That’s in like a week, people.
With all of this, I trust that when the Lord leads you to it, He’ll lead you through it. I’m honored by the chance and pumped for the journey!
I will be so grateful for all of you who chose to stand by me and help me walk through this journey with donations, prayers, fundraising ideas, praying, buying tshirts, praying, benefits, did I say praying? Seriously, thank you in advance to all of you.
If you want to support me financially, click the SUPPORT ME button at the top of my page! Thank you all.
Your World Racer,
KP
