Eleven countries. Eleven months. Leaving in less than 10 months. Where did this idea even come from?
I was just about to move into my new apartment at the beginning of December when the idea of the World Race came into my life. One of my campers from when I was a camp counselor was on the World Race. I happened to follow her on Instagram and kept on seeing some sweet pictures and read a little bit of a blog she was keeping. But I had no idea what she was really doing. All I knew is whatever it was, looked like a whole lot of fun and a great adventure after graduating college this past spring. The World Race kept on being mentioned and I got tired of not knowing what it was. So after a while I figured I should probably see what this whole thing is.
I looked at the website, watched videos, checked out some blogs, and the more I found out, the more I kept on thinking, “Man, I wish I would have done something like this when I finished school.” Not that I didn’t have my share of adventures with going out to California for the summer and then working at a camp for 2 years. But it seemed mild in comparison to traveling for eleven months to eleven different countries with the purpose of missions and sharing Christ’s love. I kept on having this mindset that I would never be able to do something like that now.
But God didn’t let that be the end of it. Instead, God kept it really fresh on my mind. As I was folding clothes and cleaning up the store every night, I would daydream about it. There was this clear desire to find out more information.
Shortly after, I decided to talk to my parents about it. Both of them thought it seemed like a great idea. My mom said, “Why not, Chelle? There’s nothing holding you back here. When else are you going to be able to do something like that?” And my dad’s response was, “Keep on pursuing it. If it’s not the right thing, God will shut the door. But until then, keep on going for it.” So needless to say, their encouragement kept me praying about it.
The desire and stirring in my heart only grew stronger as time went on. I couldn’t apply yet because the routes weren’t released for January of 2016. So I had some time to pray. And wait. But through the praying and waiting, God only increased the desire in my heart to go. It was constantly on my mind and heart. And it seemed like I had plenty of time to think about it with work and being stuck inside all winter. Also, the more conversations I had with close friends and family, the more affirmation I received to apply and pursue it.
When the applications finally opened up, I had never felt more certain about applying for anything in my life. God was making it so clear that this was the next step. I took a little time in the application process, but finally turned it all in. Once I applied, I felt my confidence shrinking. I had these doubts that I wasn’t qualified. That mistakes I had made in life would disqualify me from being able to go. Some of the days were really rough as Satan would get inside my head and convince me that I wasn’t good enough to go on this adventure.
But the Lord had different plans. Within a week or two of applying, I was accepted to go on the World Race. I had never felt more sure in saying yes to anything before. It was the easiest yes I have said in my life.
Now that it’s a couple of weeks later, I still can’t believe that I’m going to be traveling the world next year. That I will be living out of a backpack for eleven months. I can believe that I will be quitting my job at the end of the year, but I’m trying hard to not count the days I have left there because I am so excited for this new adventure. And I’m anticipating God to do great things. Even before I go.
I’m anticipating God showing up big in the support raising aspect. Even though $16,500 is a daunting number at times, I’m confident that my God is going to show up big and blow me away. And I’m sure He’ll blow me away in so many other ways too. Even in the weeks of being accepted, God has continually encouraged me through His Word and through others. So I can’t wait.
So there’s nothing holding me back. I’m just waiting with much anticipation as God is preparing me to go when the time comes.
