Today was launch and the first day of the World Race! It’s so surreal. Like it is actually happening now; it is not some distant dream. I am actually on the Race! I am so excited to be here and to see what God does in the next nine months.

In all honesty, however, today was the first time I had felt any anxiety at all about this trip. Anytime someone would ask me if I was nervous leading up to today, I would have truthfully answered no, but if you were to have asked me this morning, I would have had to have answered yes. I had no idea what was going on or what we were supposed to do, and I knew I was finally going to meet everyone on my squad, so it all just became a ball of anxiety that I had no idea what to do with. Luckily, I had some alone time in my parents’ hotel room while they went to their launch before it was time for my registration. All I could think to do was pray. I knew that God was with me and that He called me here, but I was still nervous for some reason.

Finally, it was time for registration. I went down to the lobby and was immediately welcomed with hugs by everyone I had met in Colorado and was introduced to those I hadn’t met yet. It was amazing, and all my nerves immediately dissipated. I finally met everyone who would become my family. 

At registration we got our room assignments and had some time to chill before dinner time. It was nice being able to just relax and talk with a couple of girls from my team. 

Our session was at 7:00, and we were able to see our parents again. There was a short message, then it was time for worship. Man, was it awesome. At first everyone kind of stayed where they were, but after an amazing set, everyone spread out and filled all the gaps. I mean you could seriously feel all of the love. Not just the love of everyone in the room but also the love of our Heavenly Father. It was amazing. 

After worship, we were told to find our parents so that they could pray over us and we could pray over them. If your parents didn’t come, you were told to find some parents to adopt. My team decided to just make one big huddle to pray over everyone. It was so encouraging. 

I don’t think that the anxiety I felt this morning was a coincidence. I think God let me feel that way so that I could truly feel and understand that He is with me and that He is in control. I once again have this overwhelming peace about this trip, and I am so excited to see what else God has planned. Today was only day one. Today was the first day out of 272 that I am able to carry out the Great Commission with these people. I get to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. 

I am so stoked to see where God will be taking me this next year and to see how He changes me. I cannot wait to be able to share His love, and I am so happy to be able to have you all join me!

Lots of love,

Ali Goolsby