A few weeks ago I got a long awaited call that changed my life forever. It was confirmed that I would be traveling to 11 countries in 11 months serving God’s people and sharing about His love and goodness. I got the call when I was on my way to my parent’s house for the weekend. After I got done squealing and expressing my gratitude to the man from Adventures in Mission on the phone, mind you he couldn’t stop laughing at my obvious excitement and joy, I called the select few people I had told about this potential opportunity. My mom was my immediate first call. She is my number one cheerleader, prayer warrior, role model and huge supporter in my life. Before getting off the phone with her she says, in Tammy form, “Make sure you think of how we are going to celebrate you getting accepted into The World Race!” One thing I have adopted from my mom is that life is meant to be celebrated; the big victories and the little victories.
As soon as I got home, we caught up on each other’s day and quickly started looking at all the new information I received on my World Race profile page; sometimes I think my mom might be more excited about me going on the race than I am! 
(not a chance!) Then we started looking at the REI site and began discussing all the things that I would need to purchase for this upcoming adventure. Let me just note, my family’s idea of vacationing never included a tent or camper. I have gone camping with friends before but none of the stuff that we brought was mine. Needless to say, all of this camping and backpacking equipment looked foreign to me on the website. Finally an idea came to my mom…what if we celebrated you getting into The World Race by going to visit the REI store in Ann Arbor, MI. What a perfect way to celebrate!
As my mom and I walk into the store, it was immediately evident that we were out of our element. We quickly found someone to help us look at various items. The lady decided that trying on backpacks was the first thing to do…(my first backpack try on up above). Pardon the cheesy grin…I was bursting at the seams with excitement about this opportunity. At the same time I was also humored by the fact that I of all people would be preparing to live out of a single bag for a next year.
My mom and I spent over two hours in the store getting fit for back packs, looking at tents, and getting information about sleeping bags and other various camping gear. After purchasing a REI membership for each of us, we left the store filled with much needed knowledge and somewhat overwhelmed at all that was out there as well as how much all of it was going to cost.
That was about two weeks ago. To date, I have purchased a wheeled duffle (most recommended by racers previous as well as present), a day pack, tent, tent footprint, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and head lamp. To be honest, part of me feels silly buying this stuff because I have never used or thought of using it before. However, I know that this trip is a calling from God. I desire to serve Him despite what might come naturally to me. It is so amazing to see how God is already transforming my heart and attitude through this process…and the race hasn’t even begun yet!!!
All I have to say Lord is….BRING IT!
