Happy Spring! The month of March is the month of daylight savings time, tulips, and the “luck of the Irish!” Maybe it’s the slightly warmer weather here in SC, the daylight when I get off of work, or seeing the flowers start to bloom, but March has brought about a sense of hope for me. What a wonderful God we serve to give us physical reminders of hope!
I wanted to give an update on my World Race route situation! My route has changed, and I will be going to different countries than those outlined in my last post! The new countries are Guatemala, Albania, Greece, Turkey, South Asia, and Nepal! (I can’t name the exact country in South Asia my team and I will be going to due to safety concerns.)
Although this is a bit unexpected, I know the Lord has this entire trip in his hands! When I signed up for the World Race, I said yes to whatever the Lord has in store for me over the course of the 11 months. Although I am sad to not be going to the countries I originally signed up for, I know the Lord has miraculous and good plans for this route and this team.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Preparation Update:
I bought a tent! I will need it for training camp, and on the field at times. I set it up in my living room the other night, and it looks awesome! I also have purchased a giant Osprey backpack, which will serve as my lifeline for the entire World Race! Next up to buy on the gear list is a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and day pack. Researching and buying gear has been quite fun for me. I will also need to get several vaccines for my trip, so that is on my to-do list as well!
Spiritual update:
For the 2 weeks before my route changed, I couldn’t get South Asia and Nepal off of my mind. Which is weird because those two places were NOT on the list of countries that I originally signed up for. I had this weird desire… I was wishing the route I was taking had those two specific countries on it. So when I got the call that my route had changed, I was a bit flabbergasted! I can’t believe the Lord was already working my heart towards those places when I didn’t even know that I would be going to them! What an awesome God He is!
I have been reading through the book of Luke over the past few weeks. The Lord has shown me several things, one being in chapter 9 when Jesus sends the disciples out to minister. Luke 9:3 says “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.” Verse 6 says “And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.” This passage encouraged me by showing me that I am following in the footprints Jesus himself laid out. To leave home, your belongings, and trust the Lord with your housing, meals, and everything seems crazy in today’s world. But it IS biblical, and I feel humbled to have this opportunity
Fundraising Update:
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Fundraising is hard. I don’t really enjoy it. I am struggling and wrestling with it. I feel strange telling people how much the trip costs, and that I will be quitting my “good paying nursing job” to travel the world to spread the gospel. It’s not a “normal” thing to do, and I find it a bit awkward to explain sometimes! I would appreciate prayers as I navigate this part of the trip.
Praise the Lord though! I was able to set up a booth at a local revival (WGCR Share-A-Ton), and I got to experience for the first time the body of believers backing me up! I was able to raise some funds, spread the word of my mission trip, and hopefully had many prayers sent my way for this trip! Since the revival, I have also had more funds come in, which has overwhelmed me with SO much gratitude.
These moments have really encouraged me. I am so thankful to each of you for supporting me, either through prayer or financially. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. Will update soon.
Donation link!!!! Everything donated here goes directly toward my trip. All donations are also tax-deductible through this link!
https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/september-2025-world-race-11-months-25w0902/participants/ressie-mae-owenb
World Race Link!!! This link has more information about each country I will be travelling to, as well as more information about my trip overall!
https://www.worldrace.org/route/expedition-2025-route-3-2/
My new tent!
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