What if I told you the journey was just as important as the destination?
Working for the Duke Women’s Basketball team for four years as a student manager, I have seen all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that the team puts in day in and day out. Although it’s easy to attribute tournament success to a single victory, the journey to the tourney is made up of all the little moments of hard work and dedication leading up to the big dance. My story of why I decided to answer the call to ministry and go on the World Race is also made up of little moments that were all pointing me in the same direction.
Kamhlaba: Of The World
The Lord has been stirring my heart for the nations ever since high school. I attended Waterford Kamhlaba, United World College of Southern Africa. Our name was given to us by King Sobhuza II of Swaziland which means “of the world” because over 50 nations are represented at Waterford. Most meal times and evenings were spent with friends from most (if not all) 6 continents discussing everything from the politics of Zimbabwe to the food of Finland.
I loved hearing more about each of the places that had made my closest friends the people that they were. Like most places, every country had it’s own problems and we all day dreamed about what our role would be in serving these countries and how we could impact change in our world.
Duke University
When I arrived at Duke, I joined Every Nation Campus ministries based out of King’s Park International Church – picking up on the common thread here yet? The first time I walked into King’s Park I noticed over 80 different flags hanging all over the sanctuary. I was at home. The congregation was made up of so many rich and diverse cultures, and my passion to serve the nations continued to stir in my heart.
I heard so many different stories of the amazing work and testimonies of various ministries all over the world. When I began to prayerfully consider what the Lord wanted me to do after graduation, I kept thinking “Lord, send me! I will go.” The World Race in particular perfectly combines all of my passions, so I began the application process.
March Madness
On March 12 at 3:44pm while I was perusing the bread aisle of Trader Joe’s, I got a phone call from Austin Ulsh telling me I had been accepted to the World Race. I was so excited! Throughout the entire application process I had been telling friends and family, “There’s no point in stressing over logistics until I actually get in.” Now I had finally gotten in. And all I could think of was logistics.
That night as I sat at the computer with my fingers poised above the keyboard ready to commit to the World Race, I really had to make a leap of faith. I thought, “Lord, you know I personally don’t have the money to go. I also have more logistical considerations because I’m an international Racer.” But the more I kept my eyes on the One who called me to the Race, the smaller my worries became. The more I remembered His faithfulness, the easier it was for me to have faith. The more I remembered the loving arms of the Father and how they had never let me fall, the easier it was to jump into them.
So I clicked the button.
Now as prepare for a life-changing 11-months and continue to build a support team, I invite you to travel alongside by either following my story, praying for me or considering to financially support me. Will you join in on the adventure?
