Hey awesome people!
Thanks so much for checking out my blog. Honestly, this is not something I'm stoked about. I'm a mostly private person, and I express emotion as frequently as Democrats and Republicans agree on the size of the government. Therefore blogging, which is pretty much the most prominent way folks these days purge their emotions, is not something I look forward to. However, while you won't see me wearing my heart on my sleeve often, one of the things that the Lord is pushing me toward is vulnerability. Even publishing these words makes me feel uncomfortable. But Hey, this whole trip will be full of things that are uncomfortable right?
Here I decided to compile a list of some frequently asked questions that I have received when I tell people about my plans to go on the World Race. Hopefully there will be some information here to answer some questions you might have. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any other questions or would like to know more.
Part 2
– Alright, so what exactly is this World Race?
Well, I’ve covered that some here and here. Also, check out this link for info from the organization. Basically, the World Race is a journey in which I will be backpacking (traveling with only what I can fit into my pack, and only guaranteed a tent to sleep in) through 11 countries in 11 different months. I will be working with local ministries doing various mission work.
— Where will you be going?
This is a tricky question because it is likely to change (the destinations have already changed a couple of times). As of now, the plan is to travel to the following countries: Zambia, Malawi, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, China, Mongolia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal.
– What will you be doing?
That depends on the ministry contact. Sometimes we will be doing evangelism, preaching, and orphan care. Other times, we won’t be doing anything other than weeding properties, hunting for bricks, working construction, or playing with kids. Basically, anything that the ministry needs done, we will be assigned to do. We will be working with churches, village outreach organizations, orphanages, safe havens for human trafficking victims, etc. We actually won’t know what we will be doing or where exactly we will be going until right before we head there, which, if you know me, is right up my alley.
– What about the money? Won’t this be pretty expensive?
Umm yes. I will have to raise over $16,000 for the trip, plus some additional money for personal expenses. However, if God calls me to it, I trust that He will provide. Honestly, there are few things in this world that I hate more than raising money. But really. It’s right up there with root canals and chicken salad on the “things Micah hates” list. I’ve never had to ask for anything, and I’m pretty prideful about being able to do things on my own. However, part of why I’m going on this journey is to find things in my heart to turn over to God, and giving up my pride and being vulnerable are two things that I know that the Lord is working on.
– What about safety? Isn't it going to be dangerous?
Well, Yes. But life is dangerous. Things get stolen. People get hurt. Bad things happen. I'm not being flippant, just factual. I will be traveling to some crazy places, and doing some crazy things. However, the organization, my friends and family, and I personally care about my well-being. The route that I am traveling has already been changed, in large part due to safety reasons. There are protocols in place to make this trip as safe as possible. I am fully aware of the risks, and I know what I am getting into.
So many people, and I'm guilty of this myself at times, are so careful to stay as far away from death as possible. Truth is, everyone is going to die. That has never changed. Now I'm all for being smart, responsible, and taking care of oneself. There is no need to be careless or reckless. However, this life ends, and every day that goes by that you are running from death is one day that you are actually closer to it. The only thing that hiding from death does for you is rob you of time for real living. I'm not going to let fear of injury, death, etc. keep me from living the abundant life that Christ promises us.
Here are two quotes that I love that pertain to being safe:
"All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. But dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip, or dance, just don't tiptoe." – Shane Claiborne
"Is he quite safe?" …….. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” – C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
A life of safety is not a life that Jesus has called us to. Jesus died the worst death imaginable. Most of the disciples were brutally killed. Paul was shipwrecked, jailed, stoned, and beaten. The list goes on and on. The only "safety" that we have is a relationship with Christ.
– Hang on. What about the food? Aren't you insanely picky? You won't survive!?!?
Yes, I'm quite particular about my food. There are many things that are physically difficult for me to eat. Some people say its in my head. Some people say its for attention. All I can say is that certain sights, smells, tastes, and textures cause my stomach to get mad at me. Trust me, its not fun to be the weird kid when it comes to food. I'd love to dive in with the rest of them. I've spent a great deal of time figuring out how to get around eating something. This trip will definitely be challenging in that aspect. However, I am spoiled. I have never been in a situation where I physically had to eat something that I did not like in order to survive. Unfortunately, to most people in the world, food isn't about what tastes good, but about what can keep them living. I don't want to be at the pearly gates, and Paul ask me why I didn't travel the world to care for orphans and spread the gospel, and answer by saying I was scared I wouldn't like the food.
– How can I help?
First, let me say thanks for asking, reading my blog, doing research into the World Race, and taking an interest in my life. It is hard to describe how much I appreciate that. The obvious answer that most people talk about is money. I definitely need funds to be able to make this dream a reality, so I'll get that one out of the way. However, I also am asking for your prayers. Prayer for funds, for me, for my team, for the people we will come into contact with, etc. Prayer is real and powerful, and without it I won't be able to succeed. Another way to help is to tell others! Share my blog posts on Facebook, tell people who might be interested in hearing about it, etc. You never know how you could help me in this journey just by doing something like that.
Hopefully this helped to answer a few questions! I'd love to hear from you if you have others. Be sure to subscribe for updates. Thanks for taking a look!
