My name is Rocky I am on an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. I am currently finishing month two here in Honduras.
I signed up for the World Race in January of 2018. I had just gone through a break up about two and half months prior to signing up, I was about seven months into a contract at the hardest job I had ever done as an investigator for Child Protective Services, and was working an average of 60-80 hours a week.
The last two months on the Race have been messy. Countless times I have questioned why I am on this trip. I have doubted my purpose, and questioned whether this trip is worth 11 months of my life. I realize that I am not going to be able to fully evaluate these things in just two short months but I have been able to evaluate why I am not continuing on the World Race.
- I am not continuing on the Race because I am trying to find myself. I am not lost and did not feel lost while in Albuquerque. My identity is found in Jesus. While on the race I am constantly walking through healing and surrendering lies that I have believed however, I don’t need to travel to do those things.
- I am not continuing on the Race for adventure. The adventure that we experience on the race is AMAZING. I have gone cave tubing, zip lining through the jungle, have had the opportunity to visit massive Mayan Ruins but trust me when I say this trip is not worth the adventure. I could travel the world without the hardship emotionally, spiritually, and physically that we experience on the Race. The adventure is just not worth all of this.
- I am not continuing on the Race because I want to travel. Sure I love to travel and seeing the world is a huge privilege but I would be just as content at home with my family, friends, and church. I could also travel the world on my own with less people and in nicer places than we do while on the Race.
- I am not continuing on the Race to find Jesus and to serve. I know that this statement may make you stop and think, “is that not the point?” But the truth is Jesus is always present. I can find him wherever he has me. If you are from Albuquerque, you now that there are plenty of people in need. The point is not just for me to serve. I am not here to build houses, to paint walls, and so on however, I GET to serve and share the love of Jesus. It is a privilege and honor. I am not on this trip to grow to know Jesus more, again, I can do this anywhere. However, I am learning that he calls us to specific places and seasons for His specific purpose. The cool thing is that He is a good father and loves to grow in intimacy with us. He provides the opportunity to know him more through his people and creation.
When I signed up for the World Race it was not because I wanted to leave Albuquerque. I did not sign up because I had just gotten out of a relationship and was broken. I did not sign up for the World Race because I hated my job and worked too much. I love Albuquerque, I love the culture, the people, the food, I want to be home and love my home. I was in the best place emotionally and spiritually I had been in years. This past year was a year of so much joy, more joy than I had experienced in years. When I knew the Lord was calling me to the World Race, I wrestled with it and questioned God. I did not want to leave my job, my church, and my family. I had spent years “too busy,” to spend time with my family and for the first time in years I was spending more time with them and I loved it. Choosing to come on the World Race was a hard yes for me but I was obedient. Maybe I’ll see the fruit and maybe I will not but there is so much beauty in being obedient. I am continuing on the World Race because it is for the cause of Christ, for His purpose and His glory. It is my joy to give it all up for His cause.
Love always,
Rocky
