I’m sitting in the back of a truck bed, crowded with five other bodies of more normal size than mine, speeding down a beautifully paved road. (I say beautifully because it’s been a couple months since I didn’t wake up sore from the previous night’s drive home). After a scorching appearance, the sun has chosen to die down, casting its relaxed golden rays upon the vibrant green fields and palm trees.
And as I sit here, surrounded by God’s beauty in another country, his diversity in the people around me, and his peaceful nature in the warmth of the sun, I am absolutely convinced there’s no other place I’d rather be right now. Or another place God would have me be.
This life as a world traveler is full of adventure, foreign foods, and a fumbling mish mash of languages. This life as a World Racer is a spiritual roller coaster, a Kingdom march, a battle cry. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. And my, the stories to tell of embarrassing encounters and miracles of God will take the rest of my lifetime.
There seem to be two views about the World Race. I have experienced both. The first was when I was in America, reading about Racers adventures and scrolling through endless Instagram photos with the 11n11 hashtag. I was jealous; I longed to be part of this globetrotting life that walked in such great faith. How do I sign up?! Then I saw the price tag: $15,500. How would I be able to get that much for a far fetched dream of mine? How did the Racers before me do it? How do they, in faith, travel to another country when they’re still in need of quite a handful of thousands of dollars? The deadline’s in three days and this girl needs $1,000; there’s no way she’ll get that in time, so my ten dollars wouldn’t go far.
The second view of the World Race is what I’m currently living. I’ve somehow (and by I’ve I mean God) managed to make this dream a reality, and here I sit in Thailand because of it.
That’s where you come in, where those ten dollars really do mean everything. I am not in Thailand by chance, and the first 9,500 dollars that got me here are not by chance either. I am truly blown away and humbled that so many people believe in me and have backed me thus far. You have been every bit a part of this adventure with me, have been the reason I can write blogs and share stories and photos.
In Nepal, you helped me see Jesus. I walked miles a day in sandals to spread the Good News. I climbed mountains, I dripped with sweat, and struggled through insecurities and fears God’s kingdom could receive the glory. The passion for Christ and for sharing this passion with everyone is so strong in the 1% of Christians there that the statistic doesn’t have a hold over them.
In India, you and I discovered beauty in a desolate land. The diversity and design of the Creator was visible in each and every Indian face I prayed with and laughed with because of the communication barrier. I was humbled to be a small part (that you were a part of as well) of the great work God’s already been doing in such a deeply rooted Hindu country.
At the end of this month, our third payment of $11,000 is due. I am currently about $1,500 short. I believe God will provide, but I am also asking for your help. I would love to continue this Race, and I would love for you to finish it with me. If you feel led to donate (and seriously, any amount is everything!) you can do so by clicking here.
Also, prayer is highly valued here on the Race, even more so than finances. I ask that you’d join me in praying not only for the next $1,500, but for my team as we fight the devil here in Thailand and bring forth God’s light. Two of my teammates, Will and Kelsey, are short on funds too, so please be lifting them up as well.
Thank you so much for all that you’ve already done to help get me here. God has used you to touch not only my life, but lives of countless throughout the world.
Will you Race with me?
[photo credit: Will Reed]
