Alright everyone, I leave in 61 hours to go to launch and start this 11 month journey to 11 different countries with my squad I have grown to love tremendously and a God who is guiding us in all of this. There are many of you out there who have had many questions and I figured I would try to answer them to the best of my ability. Before I attempt this you should know that when it comes to mission trips EVERYTHING is subject to change and we honestly only have a handful of answered questions. As racers we are putting our trust in God and in Adventure In Missions, because between those two we know we will be taken care of and will be provided for.
1-Will I be able to communicate while I’m gone?
Of course! In my particular case I will not be reachable by phone bc I am ending my phone service and I will only be bringing my phone to use as an iPod and for where there may be random wi-fi while out and about. I will have my computer and I am expected to blog regularly so I would imagine that I will have times to be able to FaceTime, Skype, Email, Facebook message, iMessage or whatever you think is best. I will say that while we may have internet a lot sometimes other times we may not have it. It really depends on the month and location. That being said please keep in mind that I am trying to “dis connect” a bit from all the electronics and social media. I don’t want my focus and attention to be on stuff going on else where or with others so much that I miss what God is trying to show me where I am and through those who are there.
2-Am I ready?
Well I sure hope so! Ha I have all my stuff packed up and am in Florida with family until we head out to launch early Tuesday morning. I have a 75L backpack that weights 46 lbs and a regular backpack that I will use as a daypack that is 17 lbs. With these to packs and God I have all I need to be ready!
3-Am I nervous?
I have experienced every possible emotion leading up to this point. God has been preparing me for this for a year and a half but now and my complete trust and faith are in Him and I’m ready to GO!
4-Am I fully funded?
No but you can help with that! The total cost of the trip is $16,250 and I am currently at 53% which is $8,638. I still need to raise $7,612 to be fully funded. You can donate to my account located on my blog www.mandiegrundmeyer.theworldrace.org
5- What countries am I going to?
Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Bulgaria, Moldova, & Romania. The order is subject to change but I know for sure that the first month is The Philippians and second will be Thailand.
6-When will I return?
I am not sure and will not know until later in the trip. My best guess is the end of November-early December.
7-How long will I be in each country?
Roughly 3-4 weeks (may vary due to travel time to ministry location).
8-Which country am I most excited to go to?
Mission wise- Cambodia and The Philippians
Travel wise- Ireland
9-Why do I need a tent?
Each month will be completely different. Some months we could be sleeping on bunk beds, others we could be sleeping on the floor (on our sleeping pads). Some months we could all be staying in one big room and tents would serve as bug nets and “privacy” ‘rooms.’
10-What will I be doing each month?
Each month will be completely different. The ministry work we will be doing will look different, sometimes even day-to-day. We could be working with kids, elderly, hospital patients, prison inmates, human trafficking victims and/or survivors, teaching, helping build micro-farms, building houses, sports camps, pub ministry, holding babies all day, etc. The community need is where the focus will be.
11-What will I do when I get home?
I have NO idea! To be honest thats a big part of my draw to this opportunity. I figure what better way to see where God is calling you than to walk hand and hand with him throughout the year and listen to his guidance.
That about covers it. Thank you SO much to all of you who helped get me to where I am! God is using you in this process as much as he is using me. Thank you for helping me GO and carry out his work. Love you all!
