This week YZABC Squads are at their Launch in Atlanta preparing to go to the nations. They’ve been trained, they’ve raised support, and their bags are packed. These Racers are in for the adventure of a lifetime and we know God is going to show up for them in so many new ways.
When someone begins a race, whether it be on foot, bike, or through the water, they must begin on a certain mark. They must set their positions before they begin. World Race alumnus Erica Denton, of 2nd generation G Squad, is here to help our Racers begin their journey on the right mark. She helps them get set. And then Erica, friends, family, and staff collectively shout an encouraging “GO!”
To those about to Race,
You’re at Launch. You’re filled with nerves and excitement, getting ready for the journey of a lifetime (as you should be!). But picture this:
You get on the first international flight to your first country. You’re so excited – it’s month one! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for since you typed out your first name in the blank on the application. You can almost hear the background music of the videos beginning. You’re ready to go.
By month four or five, you’re really getting used to this vagabond meets missionary lifestyle. You probably know your whole squad really well. You may have had arguments with some of them… or most of them. They might know so much about you that they could read your journal and find nothing new. You might be missing home a little, but the excitement is still so present you get over it quickly.
Month eight or nine approaches and boy, now you’re a pro. This whole World Race thing is so normal you could do it with your eyes closed.
But you’ve just been told your return date. And now you probably think about home at least once a day. You really miss it. You miss your old community of friends that you hung out with before the Race. You even miss your family and Mom’s home-cooked meals. And if you see another grain of rice, you’ll consider spitting it out and just eating one of those stale cookies you bought from the nearest store.
Next thing you know, your return date is here. You get to see your loved ones in about two flights. You’re actually a little nervous because you’ve become pretty used to this Race life. Packed van rides. Rice on rice on rice. Eating, sleeping, praying, working with the same people all the time. But the excitement clouds all of these emotions, so you quickly forget.
Flash forward. Now you’re home. You’ve been home for four or five months.
And you miss it all.
Maybe for you it’s the constant love you felt from the Father, the hugs from the neighborhood kids, or the scenic views on the daily walk to ministry. Perhaps, you miss only the simplicity of the Race.
Whether it’s the entire Race or just parts of it, you’re going to miss it.
So while you’re on this journey this year, don’t worry about home.
Keep your heart where your feet are.
Home will be there when you get back, but it will be different, I can promise you. Your community won’t be exactly the same. Even something will be different about your parent’s house. And most importantly, YOU will be different.
Therefore, I urge you, live every moment and take every opportunity while on the Race.
Go pray for that person on the street in the Philippines. Go love that woman in the bar in Thailand. Go spend some time with those kids in the neighborhood that are so cute, but that get on your nerves sometime because they won’t leave you alone. You’ll miss them. Go talk to your ministry contact and learn more of his/her story. You’ll miss them too.
Whatever you do, just go. Take advantage of every second. I know you’ll be tired sometimes, but as the old saying goes: You will regret more of the things you didn’t do rather than the things you did do. And rather than worrying about what you’re doing after the Race, focus on what lies in front of you.
Home will be here soon enough. This journey will end. It may seem like 11 months is a long time now, but it’s really not.
Stay focused. Live in the moment. See what Jesus has for you. Trust him.
That’s your mark. Now you’re set, GO.
If you’re ready to go but haven’t applied for the Race yet, click here to do so.
Photos via Meredith Moyer
Cover photo via Emily Peterson
