Hope Mendola and her August 2009 World Race squadmates have been alumni for two months. Life immediately after the Race is wrought with rest and restlessness.
Being home, with all the comfort foods and luxurious amenities (such as indoor plumbing and electricity) and friends and family, provides a respite from the “Hurry up and wait” pace of the Race. Soon after the Race’s end — say, two weeks to two months — one starts to wrestle with questions like, “What do I do next?” and “Where am I supposed to be?”
Supporters and observers of the World Race also wonder what happens after Racers descend from the mountaintop. Is there a return on investment? Hope – who seeks to narrow the educational achievement gap via Teach for America – shared with us what a handful of her fellow alumni are doing:
- Jodi Greenlee has already returned to the Philippines to open up a rehabilitation center for young inmates
- Michelle Johnson is interning with an anti-sex trafficking organization in Los Angeles
- Brandy Chaffer is creating a ministry that combines her corporate experience with my ministry life
- Melanie Dodson just began working with International Justice Mission
- Ken Virzi already moved back to Turkey to do ministry there
- Anthony Ardino is interning at Mars Hill Church with Mark Driscoll
- Geoff Shepard, Adam Coleman, Don Brensinger are working toward being youth pastors
- Austin and Monica Anglea are working as youth pastors
- Marissa Villa is using her journalism skills to tell the stories of those who are unheard
- Emily Gearhart is working toward opening a school in Africa
- Holland Cox is interning with the World Race
- Beks Cassinari is an Invisible Children roadie
- Halley Power is director of missions at a Christian camp
- Robin Barnes is pursuing a doctorate in audiology to work with kids who have severe hearing loss
- Priscilla Cheng is studying for her masters in counseling
- Shannon Morgan is working toward ministry among Muslims (overseas or in America)
- Anna Notario is bringing revival to Austin, Texas through business: Bananarchy, which offers banana-centric treats
- Ashlee Hillis is volunteering at a college campus ministry while starting a nonprofit organization concerning malaria awareness
- Aubrey Rainbow is studying sign language in order to do art therapy with the deaf population
photo from the World Race Alumni Facebook group
These men and women are building upon their World Race for a life that’s centered on God’s purposes. And for those alumni (and their supporters) who are still figuring out the next step, be assured, as J.R.R. Tolkien is attributed as saying, “All who wander are not lost.”
Godspeed, to all who have gone before!
