10 Reasons Why

I’m going on The World Race and all I can think to say is that I am SO EXCITED for the journey that is ahead of me. I find myself saying that over and over again but never explaining why. I’m not sure I’ve even processed why I’m excited.. So I thought I’d make a list of why I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and leaving my home in October. *Disclaimer: This list is in no significant oder*

1. Travel:

The world became much bigger to me when I went to Kenya the first time. No longer was Africa this distant almost imagined country that I knew existed but was not part of my world. I realized that there really is a great big world that is so full of beauty outside of the US. There is more to the world than the bubble I had been living in and I’m excited to step out of that bubble once again and experience more of the world God created. 

2. Growth:

Knowledge. Self. Love. Relationship with Christ. All areas I anticipate to see growth in! 

3. Experiencing God:

He is everywhere and constantly at work. Just recently I experienced God at a concert called the Roadshow. I went home that night feeling revived and alive with the spirit. Everything I heard that night confirmed the things I am learning about myself and God and I was awestruck by His mighty love and His perfect timing. However, on the race I believe that I will experience God in ways that I never have before. It will look different than I have seen or different than I probably even expect. I know though, that I have the Spirit alive in me who will open my eyes to the work that God is doing in all 11 countries I visit. 

4. Community:

When I was in college, I once spent a good chunk of time sitting on the counter in the bathroom talking with a bunch of the girls I was living with in a hall as they came and went. Weird.. I know, but I love talking to people and getting to know them. I’m excited to meet my team and live life with a bunch of people who love God for almost a whole year on the race. I’m also excited for the different communities I’ll be living in and serving in throughout the race. I’m excited to become part of a new community every month for eleven months. 

5. Being Challenged:

I’m competitive and I love a good challenge. I know there will be many challenging moments on the race and probably even times when I question why I’m there, but I also know it’ll be worth it and the challenging moments will bring about the most growth. 

6. Pursuing My Passion:

I didn’t know that I had a passion for helping people around the world until I went to Kenya. In fact, when my school put on a week long event focusing on missions, I avoided the missionaries because I wasn’t interested. I was happy in my bubble and I was going to be a teacher. That’s when God stepped in and showed me He had other ideas. After talking with a missionary in my junior year of college, I switched my major to focus on ministry rather than education and signed up for a 10 day mission trip to Kenya. After the first day in Kenya, both the professors on the trip with me told me they knew where I would be in the future. Since then, I have been praying for God to send me, and dreaming about working with children and families living in slums around the world.

7. Stepping Outside of Normal:

I’m gonna be honest here. Normal gets boring for me. I don’t really enjoy the whole thing where you’re supposed to graduate, get a job and work to support yourself doing the same thing every day. I don’t like that our cultural norm somewhat forces us into deciding what we want to do for the rest of our lives when we’re barely 18 entering into college. I knew God must have something more for me than the “normal” career path in the states. That’s why I’m excited to go on the race. To step out of the norm and pursue a career that is bigger than myself and bigger than what I can dream. I’m excited to pursue God and His plans for my life.

8. Facing Fears: 

This one came to me as I was reading a blog about a racer who swelled up like crazy after having an allergic reaction to a cockroach that licked her in her sleep. After I told my mom that I anticipated I would never sleep on the race, she told me I’m not supposed to read blogs like that. Alright, so maybe I’m more terrified to have to face my fears (more than just bugs by the way), BUT I am excited for the end result. That is.. if I’m successful in overcoming my fears and can learn to trust God fully (however I’m sure this will be a lifelong learning process). Even if I overcome even just one fear though I’ll be happy. 

9. Learning: 

I know I will learn a lot on the race. New skills through a ministry I have no knowledge or experience in, languages, cultural norms and practices. I’m most excited to learn about the cultures around the world since that is something that fascinates me. 

10. Stories 

I love reading the stories racers have shared! I love listening to people tell their stories of what God has done in their life. So, I’m not only excited to gain my own stories to be able to tell others, but also to hear stories from people around the world! 

Thanks for reading!

~Kaci

P.S. Did I mention how excited I am!? 😉