One of my squad members had a great idea that I decided to pirate because I was already thinking of doing something similar. I found that after talking to many of my friends, family, supporters, acquaintances, co-workers, and strangers about the World Race, most people ask similar questions. I thought it would be a good idea to do a FAQ Blog with my answers, so here it is. This by no means is an extensive list and if you would like more information or have further questions, please feel free to ask me.
Q: What exactly is the World Race and what will you be doing?
The World Race is a unique missions trip on which I along with other young adults will embark upon a challenging adventure for 11 months serving "the least of these" in 11 different countries. We will live in real and raw communities and be stretched as we serve in various capacities.
As far as what I will be doing, everyone I talk to says that every day on the World Race looks a little different. There will be days packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, teaching, preaching, praying for the sick, etc. While other days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for my team, and spending time praying for the communities we are living in. Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God's kingdom work.
For more information on the World Race, please click here.
Q: What countries are you going to?
From what I hear the World Race always keeps you on your toes and things could change, but right now my route is…
- Kenya (September)
- Uganda (October)
- Rwanda (November)
- Nepal (December)
- India (January)
- Thailand (February)
- Cambodia (March)
- Philippines (April)
- Dominica Republic (May)
- Puerto Rico (June)
- Haiti (July)
For more information on my route, please click here.
Q: What are you going to do when you get back?
I honestly have no clue. I have never been one that has had a 5-year plan. As frustrating as that can be for me sometimes, it’s also very exciting. Every time I’ve tried to plan out my path or thought I knew where I was going, God has lead me in a different direction. I am trusting that God will break and stir my heart during this next year and lead and direct my next steps. It’s my prayer that on this trip God would give me a vision for what my mission/ministry will be when I return.
Q: Why go overseas?
I have always had a desire to travel and serve on missions trips. It wasn’t until last year that I was able to be a part of a team that went to a different country to serve. I’ve traveled more internationally in the past year that I have in my whole life and I have absolutely loved it! I love seeing God’s beauty in different people, lands, cultures, and learning about other religions. I believe these experiences help to shape and mold my Christian Worldview into a real worldview instead of just an American view.
Q: What if you don't raise all of the money?
I’ll be honest, this has been a concern for me at times since I decided to do this trip pretty late in the game. I am really learning how to trust God in this process. I know that God has called me to this and that he will provide and bring me through it. That being said, if for some unknown reason I am not be able to meet the next financial deadlines, I would not be able to launch in September or if it’s after that I will need to return to the States early. Any financial support that is in my World Race account that had not been used yet would go to the organization.
Fundraising Deadlines:
- $3,500 – Due 6/29/2013 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
- $6,500 – Due 8/18/2013 (2 weeks prior to trip)
- $11,000 – Due 12/1/2013 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $15,500 – Total Due 3/1/2014 (End of 6 months on the field)
Q: Who will you be traveling with?
I will be traveling with a squad of approximately 40-45 young adults (21-35 years old) on the route that I have listed. At the end of training camp (July 13-20 in Atlanta, GA) we will be broken up into our teams of 6-8 people. I will be traveling with that team the each month and we will be placed in a ministry together. Team changes can sometimes occur due to various reasons.
Q: Where will you be sleeping?
We will all have individual tents and will most likely be sleeping in them throughout the year. I’ve also purchased a hammock, so I’m hoping I will have a chance to try that out a few times as well. The housing will depend on where our ministry is that month and if we can be housed with people we are working with.
Q: Can you have visitors?
Sadly, no. No visitors are allowed, but Blog Comments, Facebook messages, Skype dates, Face Time dates, emails, Tweets, and smoke signals are very much welcome and needed!
Q: Will you have Internet access?
I will have access to Internet, but again it all really depends on where my team is placed that month and how far we are from access. I will try to update my blog as much as possible to keep everyone informed on where my team and I are and what we’re doing. If you haven't already, please sign up for my blog update alerts. Once you sign up, you will get an email alert whenever I post a new blog.
Q: What country are you most looking forward to?
That’s tough because I’ve been to Thailand and India and love them both so much! I think right now I’d have to say I’m most excited about going to Africa. I’ve always wanted to go and almost went on a missions trip to Uganda a couple of years ago but didn’t because I ended up moving. It probably helps that we are going to Africa first. I’m honestly super excited about all of them though.
Q: Will you get any free time? Do you come back to the US in between countries?
Yes, we do get days off while we are in the field. We can spend those days relaxing, traveling, getting necessities, exploring and seeing sights, or doing more ministry! I’m really hoping to connect with some of my friends in a couple of the countries I know if we are close enough to them.
No, we do not come back to the US in between countries. Once we launch at the beginning of September we will be out of the USA for 11 straight months.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the blog, this is not a complete list of questions, but some frequently asked ones. If you have any other questions or would like more information, please ask.
