I know some of you are wondering how I came to this decision to go on the World Race. For those of you who have walked more closely with me throughout the past few years, you know that….
1. I love God, and I live for Him.
2. I love people–my hope is that whatever career I enter into will involve interacting with people on a personal level.
3. I thoroughly enjoy traveling and trying new things.
4. I wanted to go "away" after college, somewhere…ANYwhere! At least for a little while.
5. My decision-making process begins with prayer.
Soo…
I just graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) this past June. Throughout the entirety of my senior year, I had been searching and applying for jobs. Most of my applications went towards educational non-profit organizations because I have hopes of eventually going into school counseling; but I wanted some work experience before I applied to graduate school.
Before I knew it, it was May and none of my applications seemed to have gone through. I knew my rejection wasn't a reflection of my capabilities; God just had something else planned–something I couldn't yet see. Then, during a Navigators meeting (I was part of the Navigators Christian fellowship during my time at UCI) one of the staffers mentioned the World Race, thinking I would be interested in going.
At the time, I didn't think much about the suggestion (sorry, Jon!)–it sounded too crazy! 11 countries in 11 months?! But I figured, why not at least pray about it? So I simply asked God to reveal to me whether or not this was what He had in mind for my life in the next year.
I was led to read the book of Joshua from the Bible, and reading the first chapter set the tone for my time of waiting for an answer. I clung to one verse in particular: "…Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). For me, this verse meant that whether I went away or stayed at home, God was going to be with me. So whatever decision I made was not going to be out of fear. I would be strong and courageous.
After two weeks of spending quality time with God in prayer, journaling, and diligently reading my Bible, as well as seeking out support and prayer from others, my heart was in a new place. I no longer thought that going on an 11-month mission trip was too crazy. The World Race became feasible; it became something that I wanted to do. But more than that, it became something I felt I needed to do. Besides–why not go? For a whole 11 months, my purpose in serving the Lord and serving people would be clear; I would get to meet and grow relationships with different people from all over the world; and I definitely would be going "away" for a time, to places I never imagined I would go. The only thing that could hold me back was fear. But–as I mentioned in my previous post–I strive to live with a love that is greater than fear.
Needless to say, I applied, got accepted, and now…here I am–ready to serve humbly, be challenged, be broken.
Ready to be strong and courageous.
