My girl Cara had the grand idea of posting answers to questions that we get ALL the time. I love it so I stole it, obviously.
So here we go, hope this clarifies some things!
Q: You are going on the Amazing Race? Like the TV show?? (this is my favorite and I giggle every time)
No, the World Race is not the Amazing Race. Although, we will travel as much and it could make quite an entertaining TV show I'm sure. The World Race is a mission trip to 11 countries in 11 months.
As far as what I will be doing, everyone I talk to says that every day on the World Race looks a little different. There will be days packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, teaching, preaching, praying for the sick, etc. While other days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for my team, and spending time praying for the communities we are living in. Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God's kingdom work.
Q: What countries are you going to?
From what I hear the World Race always keeps you on your toes and things could change, but right now my route is…
- Kenya (September)
- Uganda (October)
- Rwanda (November)
- Nepal (December)
- India (January)
- Thailand (February)
- Cambodia (March)
- Philippines (April)
- Dominica Republic (May)
- Puerto Rico (June)
- Haiti (July)
Ps. I can now say these all without taking a breath. Backwards, forwards, starting in month 8, etc. People are funny.
Q: What are you going to do when you get back?
NO IDEA. For me to try to to plan what I want to do after this year being God's disciple would be absolutely absurd. I will be experiencing and partaking in things for the next year that will forever change me. Only God knows his plan for me at this point, and that is good enough for me 🙂
Q: Why not help people in the U.S.?
Because people in the U.S. need help too right? This is absolutely right! Anybody who knows me knows about my crazy love for NYC. The fact that people need to hear about Jesus in the states will never change, nor will the fact that people in other countries do as well. This is just what God has for me in this season of life.
Q: What if you don't raise all of the money?
Some people raise this question, which I see could be a valid concern. For me, it isn't. I have seen such wonderful things in this past month and half in fundraising and there is no doubt in my mind that I will raise the full $15,500. God is kickin these deadlines in the rear. That being said, if for some unknown reason I would not be able to meet the next deadlines, I would need to return to the States early. All the financial support is in my World Race account and any that had not been used yet would go to the organization.
Q: Who will you be traveling with?
I will be traveling with a squad for approximately 40-45 people on the route that I have listed. At the end of training camp(July 13-20 in Atlanta, GA) we will be broken up into our teams of 6-8 people. I will be traveling with that same team the entire race and we will be placed each month in our ministry together. Team changes can sometimes occur due to various reasons.
Q: Where will you be sleeping?
We will all have individual tents and will most likely be sleeping in them throughout the year. It depends on where our ministry is that month and if we can be housed with people we are working with. Time to get down with nature!
Q: Can you have visitors?
Sadly, no. No visitors are allowed. But facebook messages, skype dates, emails, and blog comments are so very welcome and needed!!!!
Q: Will you have internet access?
I will have access to internet, but again it all really depends on where my team is placed that month and how far we are from access. I will try to update my blog as much as possible to keep everyone tuned in!!!!
Q: What country are you most looking forward to?
This is a question that comes up a lot with people, and it is also a very hard one to answer. I am so excited for each country that I have the privilege of working in! Nepal is pretty close to the top of the list.
Q: Are you nervous?
It depends on which day you ask me. But for real though, I absolutely realize that this trip is over and beyond anything I could accomplish on my own. Good thing I have an all-powerful God to rely on.
Q: Will you get any free time?
YEP! We get days off, which we can spend relaxing, traveling, getting necessities, exploring and seeing sights, or doing more ministry!
Q: What will you be bringing with you?
Ah that is a great question, one which I am still trying to figure out. I will post a blog right before I leave with what I all ended up packing. I will try to pack VERY light, but will need essentials such as my tent, sleeping bag and pad, mosquito net, headlamp, toiletries, medications, clothing, etc. It shall be very interesting trying to stuff it all in my pack!
Feel free to ask another questions you may have!
-LD
