I have wanted to travel the world ever since I can remember, but a common question is why go on a trip like the world race? There are so many ways I could pursue my dream, but no trip inspired me like this one. I have decided that I can either be a tourist or be a traveller, and I decided I wanted to be a traveller. I want to experience different cultures, see amazing sights and experience things I have never thought possible.
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, Travellers don’t know where they’re going…” -Paul Theroux
Don’t you want to start pursuing a career?
Here in Canada, we live by so many social norms and if anyone decides to go outside those norms, they are taking a big step. We know that after you graduate high school, you go to university and from there, there is countless opportunities such as more schooling and ultimately your dream job. In between there you may fall in love and get married and then our lives begin as adults. This is our status quo, but I am not ready to live up to that. I am graduating University and I still do not know what I want to do when I ‘grow up’. There is no better time to take a year off to travel, this may be my last chance. I thought I had everything together walking into university four years ago, but it turns out my plans are different then God’s plans and I am slowly learning that I just need to lean on him and my life will go in a direction that was meant for me. As I follow my heart, I know that finding a career that is right for me can wait one more year.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Why the World Race?
A little over two years ago, I was reminded that our time on this Earth could end at any time. I have lost a few friends, one who passed way too early, we were just entering high school. We are not in charge of our lives, God is. A little over two years ago, I got the biggest scare of my life. I was diagnosed with a soft tissue tumour in my shoulder. I was put on the emergency MRI list and was told surgery was needed. They needed to find out whether the tumour was benign or malignant, the MRI would be able to identify how big and exactly where it was. This was needed in order for a biopsy to be done. If it was malignant the MRI scan would also make sure that it had not spread throughout my body. I can’t even express how I was feeling, but I knew that prayer was needed. God is amazing and it was about a month later that I finally got into an MRI scan and the doctors were flabbergasted. They did not know what had happened, but not only was the tumour not malignant, but it was completely healed. Miracles, they happen and God performed one on me. I have come to realize that I am not on this earth to go with the flow, but we are here to live a life that is more than the status quo. We are here to tell the world that they have a father who loves them so much and he would love for them to give their whole heart to him. I can travel by myself or with friends, but the World Race will give me a family of other individuals with the same passion as me, to step out of their comfort zone and begin a life that God has called us all to.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”- Mark 16:15
Are you nervous?
I am excited, I get to travel to three continents and visit 11 different countries. Although I am anxiously awaiting January to come there is so much to do between now and then. I am scared, I have to leave my life of known for a life of the unknown for 11 months with nothing but a backpack. I have to leave my family and friends for a year. There are so many emotions that come with a big trip like this, but even with all the fears and nerves that I have, I know this is where I am called to be.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
