THIS IS NOT A VACATION.

Lately I have come across many people who think that The World Race is a reality TV show, a bad investment, a vacation, or a waste.

I've also come across many people who say "you don't have to go across the world to help the poor and lost. Think of how far that money could go on the streets of Philadelphia?" In this case, they're sort of right. There are poor and hurting right underneath our noses. I absolutely believe we should not reserve "missions" for overseas. That is why I started a children's ministry in the inner-city. That is why I worked at a women's drug rehab. That is why I am typing this at The Salvation Army. That is why I'm a social work major. That is why I've gone on missions trip as close as 20 minutes away from my house. I am a firm believer that we should be working in our own community as well as across the world.

 I'm not at all trying to say "oooh, look at all the good I've done." I am just as guilty as everyone for being selfish, sitting on my couch being lazy, and not being the hands and feet of Jesus. I just want to clear up mere facts for those that think that this is a vacation, under the guise of missions, for young people who don't care about their own churches or communities. The people that sign up for The World Race typically are seeking to expand a ministry that has already begun in their own lives. Praise God for all the work He is doing!

:)

I also want to be honest. The World Race is a year of abandonment - where we live on a very limited budget, in uncomfortable housing, eating strange things, and living alongside the poor and lost. This is not one of those trips where because it's with a school or everyone is a minor they have to house us in the local hotel for safety reasons. We will live in the bush of Africa. In tents in Asia. Wherever. But because this is such an intense trip (no pun intended, i mean it!) we are given the occasional day off. It is drilled into our heads that this is not a vacation. However, on our days off, we are given the freedom, using our own personal money, to experience the land and culture. This may involve some (gasp) FUN! :) There are also debriefs where we spend a few days reflecting on the month in the country and praying. If there wasn't the opportunity for rest, fun, and sabbath, it would be very hard to minister to the best of our ability the majority of the time. It's kind of a work/minister hard, play/rest hard mentality. Remember, this is a year missions trip, not spring break :)

I will soon be blogging on the injustices around the world. We will be ministering to prostitutes, girls who have been sex-trafficked, those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, orphans, widows, Buddhist monks, lepers - you name it. Hopefully this will help with the "this is not a vacation" understanding :)

I love you all! Thanks so much for ALL your support! Currenty I am at about 12% - praise God! Let's see what else He can do :)