Well, here I am. Training camp is about a month away and launch isn’t too long after that. And boy, am I excited! Even while writing this, I’ve been listening to epic movie soundtracks and daydreaming about epic adventures (NERD!). And even then, the fact that I’m going on the World Race still doesn’t quite seem real. I’ve never even left the Northwest, so the idea of traveling to 11 countries across 3 continents is absolutely mind-blowing. There are some moments when it begins to sink in, and I think HOW CAN THIS ACTUALLY BE HAPPENING!?!?! THIS IS SO STINKING COOL!!! That being said, there are also moments when the harder stuff starts to sink in as well. There is still so much to be done before I leave. I’m going to be away from home, family, friends, and my cat for almost a year. There is no way I’ll ever be fully prepared for the mental, physical, and spiritual journey ahead of me. And as the weight of how inadequate and totally unprepared I am begins to press down on me, I am reminded again and again that IT’S OK. God called me to this adventure, and I’m not meant to figure out everything on my own, that just makes for misery. I don’t have to have every minute detail of the next year under control. I am so thankful for this fact and that God is stronger and smarter than me, and that I don’t have to do this alone!
“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God- his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
–Psalm 18:29-30
Here are three of thethings I’m really looking forward to on the Race:
#1 COMMUNITY/FAMILY
We’re not even to training camp, and W squad has proved to be a pretty awesome group of people! It’s so encouraging picking up my phone and having a ton of notifications from one group conversation or another. Everyone is always checking in, sharing prayer requests, and encouraging one another. Y’all are great! I can’t wait to get to know everyone more and get to spend a year growing closer to these rad people and grow closer to God alongside them!
#2 TRAVEL
My travel experience is quite limited. The only other country I’ve been to is Canada, but I’ve always longed to get out there and see new places and cultures. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with people of all kinds of cultures all over the world! (Although at this point just going to Georgia for training camp might involve a bit of culture shock.)
#3 GROWTH
The World Race promises to be a very stretching and difficult experience. It will probably be the hardest thing I have ever done. However, it seems that it’s easier to see and let God work in uncomfortable situations when our selfish thoughts and worries are stripped away. I can’t wait to grow closer to God over the next year and see how He grows and changes me!
#4 (BONUS!) TAN LINES
Who doesn’t love a good (or weird) tan!? Every tan line has a story behind it- it means you got outside and had an adventure! I think they’re hilarious!
(Nasty, right?)
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”- Romans 10:15
Thanks for reading! And thanks everyone for all of your support!
If you want to help, you can do so in a couple different ways:
- Pray! Like I mentioned before, the World Race is going to be a very challenging experience and all of your prayer support is welcome!
- Donate: If you would like to contribute financially, you can click on “support me” the top of the page.
Thanks again!
“It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step out onto the road and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
-J.R.R. Tolkien
