Hi friends and family,
In the midst of uncertainty in our world, so many have been asking about any updates with the World Race. I applied and committed to the World Race in September 2019, almost an entire year ago. My plan for the past year has been to leave in October but when COVID began, that all was in question.
On August 3rd, (happy bday to me!!), we received an update from Adventures in Missions with the reality that we will not be able to launch internationally in October. My squad was presented with many options to move forward.
My Decision
With that, I have decided to defer and leave in January 2021! This means new launch dates, new squadmates and new countries to kick off the new year! Adventures in Missions anticipates that we will launch internationally in January. We do not know the specific 11 countries we will be serving in, instead Adventures has indicated the four regions and starting countries we will be serving in:
Central America – Starting in Costa Rica
Southeast Asia – Starting in Thailand
Southern Asia – Starting in India
Southern Africa – Starting in Eswatini
What happens in January if we are NOT able to launch internationally?
There are many factors Adventures in Missions must consider when preparing to launch us internationally. In the event that we cannot leave due to COVID and the state of the world, I will have three options to choose from.
-
Launch stateside in January. We would start our 11 months serving with local ministries around the U.S. while staying with host families. If and when it becomes safe to travel internationally, we would transition out of the states to international.
-
Defer my launch date. Similar to now, I would have the option to defer my launch date to a later route. At this time, that would be in August 2021.
-
Withdraw from the WR. I am hopeful the WR will still be part of the story God has for me but even if not, I will continue trusting His plan for me.
If you make the hard decision to withdraw, what happens to my donations?
In the case we DO NOT launch internationally in January and I decide to withdraw, my donors will have the option to request a refund from Adventures in Missions. If this happens, I will communicate with all my donors and help you through that process. With that, I am still planning to go and appreciate all the support!!!
What are your plans until January?
Upon graduation in May, I accepted a position as a marketing specialist for my aunt’s company, Healthbreak. I have been working remotely since the start of June and will continue doing so. I’ve loved the ability to use my degree, work with family and finally begin understanding all the amazing things she does to help individuals and businesses in the corporate wellness world.
In October, I will attend training camp in Georgia at the Adventures in Missions Headquarters. I will meet my entire squad and receive training in preparation to launch to the field in January.
What is your plan for support raising? How can we support you?
I put a pause on fundraising when COVID began but I now have the green light to continue support raising and that is exactly my plan! I have until April 30, 2021 to raise all $17,700 and I am almost 50% FUNDED!! WHAT?! You guys are awesome!!! I would LOVE to share my heart behind the race and partner with you as a one time or monthly supporter. Also, I have some special fundraisers planned for this fall (:
The wrap-up
All in all, I never thought I would be preparing to serve the nations in the midst of a pandemic. I never thought a pandemic would be a part of my support raising journey. I never thought this season of life would look this way but it is no surprise to God. He knew this would be part of my journey. I’m learning to trust Him through the uncertainty and loving this sweet extra time I get to spend with my family.
Much love, KK
