The build-up to this trip has been a whirlwind! When I first said “yes” to the World Race, I was filled with excitement — finally, I had a plan for life after high school, and it involved traveling the world while sharing the Good News. At the time, I was focused on the adventure ahead and the mission God was calling me to. What I didn’t fully realize, though, was the cost of saying yes.
The other day, as I was praying and reflecting, my mind was full of the to-do list: packing, fundraising, and preparing for the classes I’ll be taking while I’m abroad. But in a quiet moment, I remembered not only what I had to bring with me, but what I had to leave behind. And that part, I hadn’t really considered until now.
I’ve gone on smaller trips before — some just a few hours away, others clear across the country — both with and without my phone. Those trips never really felt like a big deal because I was always surrounded by people I knew well and trusted. This mission, though, feels different. I’ll be traveling out of the country, with no guarantee of reliable phone service, and I’ll be stepping into this journey alongside people I’ve never met before (no offense if you’re reading this — I’m sure we’ll be besties!). Naturally, I’ve had a few hesitations.
Despite all the reasons I could come up with for why I “shouldn’t” go, I’ve been reminded of why I said yes in the first place. As followers of Christ, our calling is to obey when the Lord leads us — even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or requires sacrifice. God is calling me to step out, to go on mission, and to serve Him with an obedient heart, no matter what I have to leave behind.
Sometimes I wonder what it would look like if I had just chosen the easier and more secure path — committing to college, staying close to home, and only being a few hours away from the comfort of my family. There’s a certain convenience in that path, and I won’t pretend it isn’t tempting to imagine what it might feel like to stay in my comfort zone. But deep down, I know that’s not where God has called me. He’s invited me into something far bigger than my own plans— something that will stretch my faith, deepen my trust, and shape me in ways I can’t yet imagine, just like I knew He would. So even though this journey will take me far from home, away from familiarity, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know this is where I’m being called, and I’m confident that God will meet me every step of the way.
