World Race Round 3

Yep, you read that right. I’m heading back into international territory with the World Race for the third time. On January 16th, I’ll report to Adventures in Missions headquarters to begin training as an alumni squad leader for their Spring Semesters Squad. You might be thinking, “She’s going out again already? Is she crazy?” Trust me, I fully agree! 

This journey with God is filled with more unexpected twists, turns, and shaking everything upside down than I could’ve imagined. Trying to predict or control what comes next is impossible. I’ve come to the point of throwing my hands in the air and choosing to enjoy this roller coaster of a ride.

During the last few months of my own Race, God asked me to not plan anything past coming home and staying with my family. For this 10-year planning control freak, that was a challenge. Little did I know that hidden beneath the struggle to release my grasp on my future was the complete peace and joy God offers in trusting Him fully. Surrendering to His will allowed me to be flexible and in tune with His leading, rather than being locked into my own schedule.

When He gave me a quiet prompting to pursue this opportunity to continue with the World Race, I was confident in His leading. He confirmed the calling through the voice of three trusted people. However, even then, there were moments of doubt as doors didn’t open to where I thought He was leading me. I had to learn an even deeper level of trust that remained steadfast when the circumstances didn’t make sense.

I think God uses times of apparent silence and confusion to get everything lined up perfectly according to His good will for us. That’s exactly what He did for me. Not in the way I expected or the timing I wanted, but He did it nonetheless. He opened the exact doors I needed to walk through.

Door #1 – Timing – January 16 to April 21

He gave me almost two months at home between returning from my Race at the end of November and relaunching mid January. Not too long to get settled again, but long enough to rest, reconnect with friends and family, and prepare for the next season. Oh, and enjoy eating real Cheezits and Oreos again.

Door #2 – Location – Guatemala and Nicaragua

He placed within my heart a deep love for both Guatemala (2021 World Race) and Nicaragua (2016 church mission trip) during previous trips to each country. Guatemala was especially highlighted this year as a favorite place to which I felt called to return.

Door #3 – Co Squad Leader – Raquel Portillo

Raquel served as both team leader and a raised-up squad leader for my squad this year. She’s someone I looked up to and loved, but from a far because we didn’t get to spend time on a team together. God knew I needed more of this wonder woman in my life! I fully believe our leadership styles and strengths will complement each other well.

Door #4 – Squad – 2022 Spring Semesters

Semesters focuses on gap year students ages 18-21 years old. While this is an age group with which I have very little experience, it is a unique one filled with incredible potential. God has already given me a love for each of the 13 young men and women I’ll serve alongside. I can’t wait to watch as they encounter God and experience His love in new ways! You can meet them here.

Door #5 – Finances – $3,000 Fundraising Goal

God has used the generosity of family, friends, and even strangers to provide around $30,000 for my last two years of mission work. Now, that’s what I call crazy! This new goal is only a 10th of that. I have absolutely no doubt that God will continue to faithfully provide. If you want to be a part of His provision, feel free to send a few dollars my way! 😉

To sum it all up:

• I’m going on another mission trip for 3 months starting in January
• I’ll be co-leading a squad of 13 young adults to Guatemala and then to Nicaragua
• God is wildly faithful and good!

Thank you for continually covering me in prayer, encouragement, and support. Each of you who read these blogs, comment, or text me remind me that I’m not alone on this journey. You help keep my fire alive and burning for this crazy life with God!

P.S. I’d love to meet up in person or for a phone/video chat while I’m home. We can swap stories of the year while we drink coffee or eat good ol’ American food. Please reach out if you’re interested!