Having gone on a lot of different trips now, I have practically given up on expectations. In preparation for a trip, I typically look at tons of pictures, read travel guides, and watch travel documentaries. After filling my mind with all of these pictures and mental images, I have a preconceived notion of this place that I have never been. Then, arriving at the thoroughly studied destination, that I think I already know, I am completely blown away. Sure I may recognize a famous building that I saw in a photograph, or know how to navigate to a landmark because of a map I memorized, but nothing beats being surrounded by that culture. You can’t prepare for the smells, the sounds, the accents, the climate, the surroundings, the feel, and the experience of being completely submerged in a different culture. Therefore, instead of fully trying to know a place before I get there, I now prefer going to a place and letting the authentic culture move and influence my experience there.
That being said, it is impossible to know what to expect on an experience such as the World Race. I hardly dare trying to expect anything, in fear of tainting my fresh perspective. 11 months of living in different cultures and bringing me out of my comfort zone should have some very transformative power. It would be unfair to assume how God could use all of the trials and victories on the Race to shape my life after it, except to be open to the calling He brings.
I look forward to that calling though! Recently in a conversation with my mother, I exclaimed ‘I can’t wait for the World Race to be over!!’ I had recently been reading blogs of former racers or racers who are just finishing up, and it was really amazing and encouraging to see how the Race affected their post Race lives. A lot of Racers go on to full time ministries or develop small businesses to support missionaries around the world. Their experience opens their eyes to specific needs and they are given a taste of how these needs are being met in different communities. Given this very broad, world perspective on problems and solutions occurring in little pockets all over the world, they can then step back and use their vast knowledge of ministry and culture to know where their gifts and skills can be best used.
The bottom line is, the next year is going to open my eyes to a variety of ministries and cultures and at the same time force me out of self sufficiency and into full dependency on God. After a year with such experiences, I look forward to seeing the way God points me in the direction that my gifts can best be used for Him.
-Zach
