Sooo…I've realized something, only crazy people agree to something like this. That has to be it, otherwise it doesn't make sense to even go. It doesn't make sense that I would volunteer my life away- all my comforts, familiar things, my family, dear friends, home, everything. Why? Why would I ever even consider the notion of living out of a back pack for almost a year? to set aside my cozy bed and air conditioned house? my possessions? my convenient medical doctor? my cute puppies? To take the risk and say goodbye to my friends and family not knowing whether I'll see some of them again.
It doesn't make sense but I think I've realized something, people do crazy things for people they are crazy about.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard "I'm crazy for this person;" so much so that people are willingto do the crazy. Whether that means moving across country or moving out of country or disowning their family to be with the one they love. I mean people do crazy things for people they are crazy about. We see it in the movies, we hear about it in songs (Beyonce anyone?) and we witness it in real life. So the way I see it is the only way I could or would even have agreed to do this thing called the World Race is because I am crazy about something or better yet someone; and that someone is Jesus.
Some people might say "It's my religion to do good acts" or "She just really wants to travel and see the world" or "It's because she believes in God," that I am doing this. While those are all true, what first compelled me and is now propelling me forward- the One who actually fuels my desire to go through any of this- is Jesus. I think he's worth it- the unknown, the discomfort, and the mystery- of whatever lies ahead. I don't, nor could I, do any of this on my own strength; I honestly believe that it is God who is giving me the power to plow through all things World Race. He makes all the difference.
And now it is ACTUALLY HAPPENING. I am actually going. I'm 40 % funded- $6,500 in my account- which means I have enough to launch on September 4th to Chicago and then on September 6th leave to Africa for the first 3 months of my trip. And while I take a deep breath to calm my nerves about EVERYTHING to come, in my head I hear, "I must be crazy."
I am okay with it. I am okay with being crazy.
Of course, I have my fears, my questions, and though I'm leaving I still need you- your prayers, your support, your help. Prayers to calm my fears, that all the last minute details will be brought together, that I wouldn't stress out, that my heart would expand for everything I will encounter overseas, support that says "I believe in you and what you're doing," and help because I will still be fundraising while I'm out on the race.
I guess I'm asking to you rally for my team, my squad, for this trip, for the finances, the illnesses & accidents, for the joys & sorrows, for everything that is to come.
I am excited, I AM SO EXCITED. (If I wasn't at work right now I would be jumping up and down in my seat, running in circles squealing in pure joy & utter terror) And I guess I'm asking that you too would be excited with me, that you would follow me on this journey, that you would let your heart be expanded, that you would began to dare, dream, risk, and actually DO THE CRAZY because of Jesus.
