He knew I was going on the World Race long before I could even imagine knowing.
He knew in 2008 when I first went to Africa on vacation…
He knew when I went back to Africa in 2009 still on vacation but taking medical and school supplies to the local village…
He knew in 2010 when He called me to go on a mission trip to Zambia…
He knew in 2011 when in Zambia I would fall in love with the people and the little kids…
He knew I was going back to Africa…
He knew I would be sad not going back to Zambia to the bush, but knew that I would have another opportunity to do that kind of ministry…
He knew in 2012 when He called me to go to Rwanda…
He knew in Rwanda when He put me in a type of ministry where I didn't understand how it was helping people but later realized we helped in so many ways…
He just knew…
I would have never dreamed of being part of the World Race, I didn't even know what it was until last September! Now, I have less than 4 months to prepare as much as I can to leave my comforts and travel around the world and love people just like Jesus did. How can you prepare for that? Read current and past racers blogs? Talk to teammates, alumni, and AIM staff? I really don't think there is any way to prepare for what is to come mentally, spiritually, and physically.
It's been hard knowing I will have to say by to my family, friends, church, and my furry friends in 3 and a half months. It's hard knowing I will be missing weddings, engagements, graduations, etc. But God has been giving me peace about each one of them. I know He has called me to be a part of this journey to spread the love of Jesus to the ones who have never heard of Him and I am getting more excited each day!
This verse has been helping me through this process:
"Cast your cares on God, because God cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
I have been stressing, worrying and fearing the thought of leaving for so long. I have been worrying how my parents and family will be for 11 months that I'm gone. I'm fearing the thought of living in close community with people I have never met yet! I am stressing about how to get everything I need to fit in my backpack.
He says to give our cares(worries, fear, anxiety, etc.) to Him because He cares for us! He cares for us way more than our friends, family, pastor or boyfriend/girlfriend. He cares for you so much that He wants us to give our problems to Him so He can give you peace and rest.
So whatever is going on in your life right now, stop and think, "Have I given it up to God? Have I talked to Him about it?" It's easy to go to a friend and tell them your problems, but try to go to God first and ask for His advice.
God Bless!
