It all started in my 3rd year of university. Fall 2012.
I wanted to do something different. I was done with school, studying, 8 month winters, routine. I was going through the motions which was burning me out.
I briefly thought about doing some medical-related mission/internship during my 4th year of Uni. And then come back after and finish off my final year. Nothing came of it.
Then I talked to a friend who was planning on doing something similar. She mentioned The World Race.
“It’s a crazy, awesome journey through 11 countries in 11 months spreading the love of Jesus!” She said.
“THAT SOUNDS AMAZING! Something I would totally love to do. I’ll check it out” I said.
What I meant: “Nah man! 11 months? It’s just a typical mission trip. I want a medical-mission or something. 11 months – you crazy!?! Nah.” (I didn’t “check it out” like I said).
A few months went by not even thinking about the World Race. Looks like I’ll be going back to school for my and final 4th year (reflecting on it now it was the right decision – I have needed this extra year to grow, learn, and prepare for what God has in store).
So now it’s Spring 2013 – exam season. Procrastination sets in. This leads to the thought: “OH. I know what I can do instead of study: I can Google the World Race. Remember that thing my friend mentioned to me months ago.”
My heart rate immediately quickened as soon as I saw the home page. I knew that one day I would be a “racer”. I took that as a sign/nudge from God.
This excitement lasted long into the summer break. I knew that I could not carry out my current plan of attending dental school immediately after my undergraduate degree. I needed a break. Pushing every aspect of myself for a 4.0 GPA was taking its toll. I was burning out.
School started up again this past September. I was always thinking to myself: “This time next year, I could be on a plane to Honduras or something!”
I was counting down the days until the September 2014 routes were revealed. Once they were revealed, something weird (or maybe expected) happened: I lost my excitement. School took over my life again and I spent the majority of my time trying to find motivation for it.
It took me a long time to apply – it wasn’t until December that I actually applied (the routes came out in October!). But after a lengthy (mostly due to me) application process I was confirmed for September route 5!
I’m still not sure why I lost excitement. I am still trying to figure that one out. Probably because before I was not committed to anything; I did not have to put my trust in God. So by actually applying I thought “Wow. This is real. I am actually doing this.” I am still trying to hold onto my comfort zone – still trying have one foot in the “safe-zone”. Stepping out takes effort, courage, and faith which all have the potential to extinguish excitement (or spur on excitement in some cases – just not this time for me). By continuing to pursue God and His plan for me the excitement will return. I know this.
Ok. I haven’t answered the question asked in the title of this Blog: “Why the World Race?”
- I need a break from school before MORE school
- I sincerely believe that God is using my intense feeling of “burn out” to guide me toward the World Race. He knows I need this, I know I need this.
- I want to travel, I want to experience
- The furthest I’ve gone outside of Canada is to Costa Rica. God has given me a passion for adventure.
- I love Jesus, desire more, and have a growing relationship with Him
Me in Costa Rica. The leatherback turtle hatchling is going to go for his first swim.
If you add all these reasons up you get the World race:
- I need a break = 11 months!
- I want to travel = 11 countries!
- I love Jesus = WR goes in the name of Jesus, serving the “least of these” (Matt. 25:40)
A perfect fit, eh? I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me. It’s just beginning.
– Nicholas
