A short letter to my Pre-World Race self from my post-Race self…
Dear Pre-Race Rachel,
So, you’re sitting in the Atlanta airport right now waiting to board a plane to Uganda. A few days ago you stepped onto a plane in Cleveland and you thought it might just be the hardest thing you’d ever done. You felt unprepared and completely overwhelmed. The two weeks before that were filled with a whirlwind of last minute errands, to-do lists, and an urgent need to eat all your favorite foods and visit all your favorite places. Goodbyes were difficult and you cried more than you ever thought you would.
You’ve been preparing for this day for years. Almost two and a half years, actually. And yet it seems so surreal. That time of preparation and anticipation passed just as quickly as the actual Race will. 11 months really isn’t all that long. Even though on some days it will feel like an eternity, you’ll be home and back in the arms of your loved ones sooner than you think.
This year is going to be one of the most incredible adventures of your life, if you choose to embrace it.
Some reminders as you begin your World Race…
Meet God in the mundane. As much as the World Race is a crazy incredible adventure, it is also 11 months of real life, lived in a different country. There will be boring days and times when this lifestyle starts to lose it’s appeal. Choose to continue pursuing God and doing everything for His glory. Don’t just serve God when you’ve been assigned a ministry; serve Him and love people even when you’re washing dishes, sleeping in airports, and shopping for groceries.
Don’t be afraid to let God bust out of the boxes you’ve put Him in. Our God is more amazing than we can ever imagine. Be prepared to have your view of God challenged and expanded as you experience the global church in 11 different places.
Share your peanut butter. Learn to be generous this year, with your time and resources. Right now you might feel like you’ll never be able to part with a single one of the things that you meticulously packed into your backpack. Maybe you’re tempted to hold tightly to your possessions. But soon enough you’ll be dropping things from your pack and won’t give a second thought to sharing a valued resource like peanut butter with your teammates.
And finally, be where your feet are. Be wholly present and invested in the journey that Jesus has for you this year. It’ll be tempting to start counting down the days until you’re home, but remember that this adventure won’t last forever. Jesus has another adventure waiting for you soon enough, if you’ll just be faithful with the one He has given you for this next 11 months.
Much love,
post-Race Rachel 😉
To all my supporters- THANK YOU! A few weeks ago, I received the news that I am officially FULLY funded. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all the support and love that I’ve received throughout this whole process.
Everyone who has supported financially, prayed, or offered encouragement has a part in this journey along with me.
For my first month, my team and I will be in Kampala, Uganda serving with a ministry called Suubi House. I cannot wait to begin sharing stories of some of the amazing things God is doing around the world. Please SUBSCRIBE to my blog to follow me on this adventure.
