The World Race. Three countries in nine months. A gap year. Abandoning my comfort for what is not comfortable. Leaving the home, the people, the plans that I know, for the vast unknown. Nine months of international missions that might possibly lead to a lifetime of international missions. But, why? The only answer I can give you is Jesus.
The idea of going on the World Race: Gap Year has been a constant battle in my mind. After spending a month in Guatemala, I felt the Lord calling me to the World Race, but I tried to suppress that thought anyway that I could. International missions have always been heavy on my heart and those who have have never heard the great love of my Savior breaks my heart, but leaving Guatemala was so hard; I didn’t want to do that again. Plans of attending a four year university and having a typical adult life filled my mind. I thought my ideas were better than God’s. After six long months trying to fight God on this and act like it did not exist, I asked Him to make is extremely clear to me that the World Race was in His plans for me. Throughout the next two months, the Lord showed me time and time again that I was definitely going to be going on the World Race. Despite the lies the devil tells me, God is proving to me again and again that He is with me and that He’s got this.
Now, fast forward a couple of months, and I’m signed up for the World Race: Gap Year. Getting accepted into the World Race brought me such an immense amount of peace and joy and clarity. However along with that, a new idea was placed into my mind. “What if this turns into a full-time, life-time thing?” That scared me. I had no idea what I was going to do after the World Race, but full-time international missions definitely was not on the radar. And so, a new fight with God began about how that wasn’t necessarily in my plans. But, He reminded me once again that His plans are better. Still, I’m unsure if that is what the Lord will call me to in the long run or not, but ever since this week, I’ll be willing to submit to that will if it is His will. Many times this week, people who are almost strangers to me have asked where I’m going to college. When I tell them that I will be embarking on a year of international missions, their complete excitement has confused, yet delighted me. Here’s where I get super confused though… When I then go on to tell them, “I’m not sure if I will go to college after that or not… I might go into full-time international ministry.” Less and less, I find myself rejecting that idea. And more and more, it’s becoming a dream that makes me smile.
So, I guess that’s why I’m writing my first World Race blog. To say, I am not completely sure why I will be going on this new adventure, except for the fact that Jesus called me to it. And, I cannot be more thrilled! Still, doubts and fears arise, but when I run to God with them He reminds that His plans are far better than mine. I know it won’t always be easy or fun or happy, but I know that it will be filled with joyfulness, growth, and strength.
Please be in prayer for this new journey! And, stay tuned for when I release my route in September and fundraisers that I will be doing! If any one feels led to go ahead and give, please do! Just know, I will be releasing so much more info in about two months! Thanks and blessings!
Raina, I am so very proud of the Christian young lady you have become. I have watched you grow from a baby to a beautiful young lady. Despite some hard times you have never took your eyes off of the Lord. Always keep him first and you will never go wrong. Nick has done an awesome job of raising you girls and keeping you in church. I will keep you in my prayers and will be following your journey. I wish you the best in everything you do.
Hey sweet girl,
I get this. Oh, how I get this. Man, I wrestled with God for about 2 years before acknowledging He wanted me in Northern Ireland. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to go to school, get a job, move out into a nice place, stay with my family, and just keep hanging with my friends and continuing the ministry I was doing in KY. But God got me here. Kicking and screaming, but He got me here. And now, I’m realizing more and more that this is a more long term thing than just a year. Which is terrifying, and exciting, and amazing, and aweful all at the same time. I’m not 100% sure that’s what God’s calling me to. But I am pretty dang certain. And im slowly starting to come to a place where I have a lot of peace and joy with that decision. God hasn’t asked me to make the decision yet to stay here long term. But He has asked me to have the faith to be able to say yes when/if He does. And that, I now have. I’m able to say, Lord whatever you ask of me next, I’ll say yes. With my whole heart. Praying for you as God gives you more clarity. Also- it’s okay for these things to be hard. Even if you know you’re doing what God has called you to and you have joy and peace in these decisions. Saying yes to God also means saying no to some other things. It’s going to be hard. But so, so worth it. Love you, darlin! ?
thank you so much! your kind words and encouragement means a lot! 🙂