Holy guacamole. Where do I begin?
I am here to announce my big news for next year. I write this while taking a deep breath of excitement; I am going on The World Race in 2017. For my 21st year of life, I will be traveling to 11 countries for 11 months.
That still gives me chills when I say it out loud.
Part of me just wants to simply leave it at that and let it soak in, (thats for you momma Wan. I love you) but let me share with you how I got here…
In the midst of finishing my second year of college and trying to figure out what was next, I took two close friends out for lunch. I began telling them that I feel called to do mission work and also how I felt like I’m not supposed to finish my last two years of college at this time. They told me about how they both contemplated doing The World Race before they got married and began telling me about what it is. My.heart.leaped. Was this real life? Some of my biggest passions merged into one organization, one mission trip? All things I have only dreamed of doing, I was being told about as if God used them to tell me that He most definitely hears my prayers, knows my heart, and my passions. After all, He planted all those desires in me right? It was a stand still moment.
I want to go on the World Race because I have a missionary’s heart that knows no borders. I am ready, willing, and able to go overseas. I have a constant feeling that I’m just supposed to “GO” (Matthew 28:19) My dream as a child was to make a difference in the world. As I have gotten older, I realize that if just for one person, or one thing my heart is content. I’ve learned to do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. I have hands that want to work and serve where ever I can, I have lots of God’s love to share, and a heart that wants to give every ounce to the reached and unreached children of God, in all the places I go.
God knows the desires of our hearts because He Himself planted passions deep in our souls. When we have courage to follow those desires and passions something extraordinary happens… we get to live the life that was meant for us.
I listened to a motivational video the other day, and one quote stood out to me, “Have dreams SO BIG that they scare small minds.” With that I present my dream. I have a dream to leave my home for 11 months, backpack to some pretty neat places, meet people all around the world and most of all, do what I do best– love them and share joy through dancing and laughter. Mark 12:31 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I am SO loved by my Father, and it is my hope and prayer that God uses me in my year on the World Race to show the same kind of love to all of His people I meet all around the world.
Ok, ok, it is a little crazy to some of you, right? That’s what makes it so extraordinary!
For those of you that personally know me, you know how much I love traveling and going on adventures. Well friends, I’m about to go on my biggest adventure yet!
I’ll leave you with the bible verse that has been my encouragement from the beginning. Genesis 12:1, “Go. Leave your country and your father’s house to a land that I will show you.”
I could not be more thankful or excited for this opportunity. Stay tuned 🙂
Love Shelby
