I’m finally getting around to post my way overdue first blog. For this blog I decided to divide it into two sections: fears and excitements. Of course my feelings for this trip go way deeper than two emotions, but by doing this I hope all of you will better know why I’m choosing to go on the World Race (Excitements), and some things about the World Race that I could use prayer for (Fears). So here it goes…
Excitements
This past winter I was debating about taking a break from college, so I started looking at different gap year programs. When I came across the World Race Gap Year, it stuck out to me over other programs, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Not only does the World Race Gap Year allow me to take a year off school while exploring my interests, but it also provides so many other opportunities. What excites me the most are these other opportunities: the opportunity to step out in faith and pursue my relationship with Christ while serving others for nine months, the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and grow, the opportunity to travel the world, and the opportunity to meet other young adults who share my faith.
Fears
When I think about the World Race, two main fears come to mind. My first fear, which doubles as an excitement, is being pushed out of my comfort zone. I don’t mean being uncomfortable physically, although I’m sure living out of a backpack and eating foreign foods will push me there. I mean being uncomfortable because of things which I’ll have to do while on the World Race. Things like speaking in front of churches, praying with strangers or being totally open with my teammates. Situations like these make me fearful because of the possibility of messing up and looking stupid, but the same situations also excite me because I know how much growth can come from being pushed out of my comfort zone.
As I am writing this blog, I’m sitting in a hospital room with my grandpa, who recently had a stroke. The events of the past week have only furthered my second fear: my fear of “something” happening while I’m gone. What if a close friend or family member is injured or passes away while I’m gone? What if I’m not there to spend time with them in the last days of their life? What if my family needs my support and I’m not there to give it to them? Honestly, it’s these “what ifs” which make me feel the most apprehensive about the World Race, but I do my best to look past them because I know living in fear is not really living at all.
Conclusion
I will be leaving for training camp on July 6, and I will be in Gainesville, Georgia until July 16. You’re prayers are greatly appreciated as I meet and get to know my teammates, and as we are prepared for our nine months spent in the field.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read. This blog will be where I share my journey over the next 9+ months so press that subscribe button ;). Although writing is not a strength of mine, and I often loathe it, I will do my best to share openly and often how God is working in my life and through my life while on the World Race Gap Year. Thanks so much for your support!
-Zach
