This month, I’m taking a road trip with my sisters through state and national parks in California. I think a lot of people have questioned my parents sanity in letting the three of us go and they’ve also questioned why I would do something like this (such a big trip) right before the World Race. Well I’m writing this blog to answer these questions for people who have asked these or who are skeptical. I hope that I can shed some light into my passion for Jesus and His creation and how this trip is just a beginning step into my journey on the World Race with God, my teammates, and all my supporters.
Since I was a little girl, my parents instilled a love and respect for nature and creation in my siblings and me that went beyond just seeing. We grew up hunting, fishing, camping, riding bikes and so much more…all in creation. But it wasn’t just the activities we did. Every time we harvested an animal, that we used for food for the next year, we would thank God for His provision for our family. We grew up with respect for animals and nature. We grew up knowing that God’s creation isn’t for us to abuse but for us to use for His glory and His purpose. My parents know that this love we have for nature is something that is God-given and they love and respect that about us. They have supported this ‘sister trip’ since it was just in the ‘talk stage’ almost 2 years ago. They know that we are protected by the blood of Jesus and trust that He will protect and guide us. It also helps that I have traveled to 24 countries alone and God has always shown me favor during my trips. My parents trust my judgement and my leadership in making smart decisions that will protect my sisters and me. Ultimately, it comes down to them trusting God and putting us in His hands and knowing that our inspiration for this trip is our love for nature and creation that has been instilled in our hearts for forever.
Why would I do this trip right before the World Race and spend money on something like this? Let me begin by saying that our ‘sister trip’ is not completely the same as the World Race. Yes, I believe we are all on mission for Christ every second of every day and that every trip, and every day at home for that matter, is a mission trip. But the World Race, in contrast to this trip, is a completely missions focused, full-time mission trip. In other words, I will be a full-time missionary. This time with my sisters is a time for me to not only glorify God in nature but also spend a month of unhurried, relaxed and beautiful time with my sisters who I won’t see for over 11 months. This time is crucial for us considering the time we will be apart (Marci and me for possibly 18 months). I would never ask people to support me in this trip because the focus is spending time with my sisters and glorifying and praising God in creation. With that said, I am asking you to support me in the World Race as I go as a full-time missionary to the nations. I want you to ask me tough questions if you have reservations in supporting me. I want everyone to have the opportunity to support me in my mission work because, with the Lord’s favor, it is going to bring eternal rewards.
