the big ‘WHY’

Wow- why am I going on the World Race? Honestly, I cannot think of a solidified and cohesive answer. There are so many reasons.

First, I am going on the World Race so that I can give. I feel like in my life I have been given so much. An amazing family, wonderful friends, consistent food, and never ending blessings. I take these things for granted most of the time and I do not always cherish the abundance of things I have. Though, they really are not my things; they are God’s. I feel like I fall into a mentality of thinking “me, me, me”, constantly. Even though I wish it wasn’t, my main priority in life is ME. The World Race will most definitely not be a cure to this unhealthy mindset. I will still have my moments where the last thing I want to do is get out of bed to help others. Though, the World Race will help shift my focuses to what really matters. I will learn to serve endlessly, even when it does not benefit me. In high school, it is so easy to think, “ya I am serving” but secretly have a hidden agenda such as having a stronger high school transcript or looking better in the eyes of others. Though, with the World Race, I can give selflessly to others, sharing the love of the Lord and transforming my mindset towards solely the benefit of others.

Second, I am going on the World Race to open my perspectives and indulge in different cultures, embracing diversity and uniqueness. I desire to be more educated about the world and have different perspectives. I crave to learn about the other ways that people do things and the other languages and the other foods. It can be so comfortable to stay in what is familiar and makes me feel safe, but that needs to change. I am so excited to see the world and His beautiful and diverse creation. Although, it is going to be challenging, I am excited to experience the change and truly indulge in God’s creation.

Third, I am going on the World Race because the Lord has called me to do it. It definitely is not easy to think of letting go of everything to go face stuff that will definitely change me. I am going to miss lattes and Chick-fil-A and my super duper comfy bed. To be honest, I am not absolutely ecstatic about cold bucket showers and bugs and squatty pottys, but I am excited because it is the Lord’s calling for my life. I am sitting here right now smiling at the joy that this adventure brings me. When I think about this mission it truly brings me peace. People often tell me that it sounds scary or ask me about homesickness and so much more… though even though these things bring me fear, my faith in the Lord really comes over me. I know he is going to provide and allow me to grow substantially in him. Even though it will be a lot to handle and I will not be able to do it on my own strength, I have his hand to guide me and shoulder to lean on. I am so excited to go out and fulfill his great commission. The Lord calls us to “Go into all of the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15. 

Fourth, I am going for knowledge. I want to grow in my knowledge of the Lord and his provisions. This will be a year set aside specifically to grow in his Word. Everyday I will be able to read the bible and have lots of time to analyze and grow in my faith. I will not have the distractions of school and grades and other things, but will have an abundance of time just for the Lord, which will be absolutely amazing.

Even though I chose this journey for a multitude of reasons, I cannot get into the perspective that my mission work is only on the Race. We all need to get into the life style of always being a missionary AT ALL TIMES. One thing that God has made very evident to me is that missions are honestly easier cross cultural because we are there for that certain purpose and not putting ourselves out there in front of our peers. Though, we need to be a light ESPECIALLY in our current, at home situations. We need to be different and show love. It is so difficult to be the different person and to stand out, though it is the right thing to do. So, my aim and prayer for myself is that I will learn to live on mission everywhere- spreading the good news!!

Challenge of the week: do something for the Lord that makes you uncomfortable!! Go sit with the kid that sits alone. Reach out to a nonbeliever and ask them how you can pray for them! And there is so much more you can do! just BE A LIGHT!! This world is so broken and so desperate for love, so we can do are best to SHOW the LOVE OF JESUS and He will do the rest:)

Thank you for all your prayers and support! Please pray that I will put absolute faith in the Lord for fundraising and that I will truly accept that it is HIM raising the money and that I will give up my feeling of control.

xoxo, Peyton