I
have copied this from another world racer on a different Squad because I thought it may be helpful
to you all who are following along. In an effort to ensure everyone is on the
same page, below is a list of words you’ll read quite a bit over the year
and the corresponding explanations.
World Race Lingo
Adventures in Missions (AIM)- The “parent organization� of The World
Race. They are an interdenominational missions organization based out of
Gainesville, GA. They focus on discipleship and offer a wide variety of mission
trips for families, high school students, college students and adults. Trips
range from a few days to 11 months (or more). Check them out! Adventures.org
World Race (WR) or Race-
“A journey to 11 countries in 11 months to
serve ‘the least of these’ while amongst real and raw community. It facilitates
discipleship through the process of discovering into the abundant life He
promised. It births partnerships with ministries around the world. It requires
Luke 10-like faith.�* *Taken directly from theworldrace.org.
Squad-
A group of 50+ young adults, ages 21-35, who travel together to
the same 11 countries in 11 months. Once a Squad reaches its country for the
month, it divides into teams. I am on “I� squad
I will be traveling with 59 Squad mates.
Family-
A group of 6-8 people from the Squad who live together 24/7.
They do EVERYTHING together….eat, minister, pray, study, laugh, cry, etc.
together. They build each other up but also hold each other accountable. They
get real and raw with each other in an effort to stretch, change and grow.
My family and I are known as P31, for Proverbs 31. There are 6 ladies in all in my family
Racer-
An individual on the Race aka me.
Route-
The 11 countries in which a Racer is projected to serve in 11
months. This can change at a moment’s notice and for many reasons. Rest assured
the Leadership of AIM stays abreast of current events in each country. Safety
is paramount. If needed, AIM will remove Racers from a country or withhold them
from entering a country to maintain as much safety as possible.
I Squad’s route is
Zimbabwae/Botswana- Sept
South Africa – Oct
Swaziland -Nov
China – Dec
Philippines – Jan
India – Feb
Romania – March
Ukraine – April
Honduras – May
Nicaragua – June
Costa Rica/Panama -July
Ministry-
A Racer’s assignment for the month. This will vary from
country to country and can even vary day to day while in country. Ex: working
in orphanages, mentoring street kids, befriending those trapped in human
trafficking, door-to-door outreach, manual labor, feeding the hungry, clothing
the naked, healing the sick, etc.
Launch-
The few days preceding a Racer’s departure from the States. The
Squad reunites in a select city (Chicago for the four routes leaving in
September 2012). They spend time catching up, worshipping, studying, and
preparing for the Race. Each Squad departs the States at the end of this 3-4
day period. *This is a rough guess on my part as I have yet to experience
Launch.
Feedback-
A sometimes joyful, sometimes grueling process in which each
team gathers at the end of a day. During this time, the team recaps the day’s
events. What worked? What didn’t? What caused our disagreement? Could we have
avoided the situation? What can I work on personally? What can we work on as a
team? Etc. This can be painful at times but leads to Racers being raw and real
with each other. This forces each individual to stretch beyond preconceived notions
and can lead to tremendous growth in the end.
Debrief-
A time in which the Squad will recap events over a certain
period of time. This usually occurs at the end of a ministry or month. This can
be as quick as a few minutes to as long as a few days. This is also a time in
which the Squad can relax, recharge and encourage each other. *Again, this is a
rough guess on my part as I have yet to experience a WR debrief.
Squad Coaches-
aka “Squad Parents�. This couple serves as Mom and Dad
while the Racers are away from home. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm hug from Mom and
a “pep talk� from Dad? This couple spends months preparing to accept this
responsibility and countless hours praying for their Squad before they meet at
TC. This couple periodically travels to the field to check on the Racers. I am
so blessed to have Tom and Joanne Rowell as my I Squad Parents.
Squad Leaders-
Alumni Racers who travel with the Squad for the first 4
months of the 11 month journey. They assist the Squad in transitioning from
life in America to life in the field. At the end of 4 months and after much
prayer, they raise up current Racers (usually Team Leaders??) to lead the Squad
for the remaining 7 months. I am so blessed to have Alexandra Squyres and Ben
Gagne as my initial Squad Leaders.
Squad Coordinator-
This is a behind-the-scenes person, based at AIM
headquarters, who works to ensure all Squad needs are met (i.e.
transportation??). If I recall correctly, this person is a link between the
Squad and AIM. Ryan Hughes is I squad’s coordinator.
Team Leaders-
A fellow Squad mate who has been chosen to lead 6-7 peers.
He/She assumes great responsibilities when agreeing to lead a team. Although
each Racer maintains an equal voice, the team leader is ultimately responsible.
Squad Leadership uses Training Camp and tons of prayer to determine Team
Leaders and their teams. At the end of month 4, 2-3 Team Leaders (??) are
chosen to continue their Race as Squad Leaders.* *Another guess on my part. P31
team leader is Emily Kutz!
So, there you have it! World Race lingo explained!
