{I apologize in advance for the discord of thoughts throughout.}
It’s official. It’s month 6 of the World Race and we’ve passed the halfway marker. I have nearly 6 full months and 6 countries under my belt, with 5 more to go. I can’t exactly put into words how I feel about it, if I’m being honest, because it’s way too many emotions to even begin to describe.
It’s been 6 of the most challenging months of my life, in every way, shape and form. It’s been exhausting, sweaty, tear-filled, physically & mentally & emotionally draining. But it’s also been filled with so much love, laughter, excitement, adventure, and spiritual growth.
Coming to South Africa, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, aside from the changes due to Manistry Month and all. After Swaziland last month I was stuck in a bit of a funk. I was stuck in my own head a lot, worrying about things to come, that I have no control over. So I was praying that this month would be a time of renewal. A time to renew my mind & heart, and remember why I came on this crazy World Race thing in the first place.
And that is just what God has provided for me this month. The moment we pulled up to the house in Jeffreys Bay and opened the van doors, I was greeted by the sound of crashing waves and the scent of salt water & sand. I’m literally living on the beach this month…in December…for Christmas. I’m living in a house with 11 other girls, with everything I could possibly need, and much more than I ever expected to have on the race. Meals are cooked by our amazing host, who happened to be a former chef, and I have access to shops, coffee, ice cream, and even thrift stores!
Our ministry this month even provided the rest that has been necessary. We only had a total of 8 days of ministry this month, as school is currently out & it’s their Summer Holiday (again, in December, for Christmas…weird). So this last part of the month is a time of rest, relaxation, and renewal. Not to mention an incredible weekend trip to Cape Town with a few of the other girls.
God’s blessings just never cease, y’all. And this month has been more than proof of that. As I said, coming into the month I was in a bit of a funk, and a little disconnected from God. But I’ve had several “God-moments” this month, where His creation, beauty, and majesty have been so overwhelming to me that I can’t help but just stand in awe of Him and who He is.
Climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town was definitely a time for that…it was an exhausting hike and very physically challenging, but every time we stopped to take a break and simply looked around, I was left speechless, and could feel His presence growing closer & stronger again.
He never left me of course, but sometimes it takes Him pushing me up a mountain to remind me of that.
Lord, speak to me. Draw me close to you and don’t let me escape from your grasps again. Daily I make excuse after excuse for not seeking You, for not choosing You. And then I wonder why I don’t feel Your presence. God, I don’t want to waste these next 5 months, constantly seeking myself and my desires. I want to know You, seek You, see You, feel You, hear You…in all things. I want to choose in and choose joy. I don’t want to be stuck in my own ways and what I want for my life. I want You, and I want what You want for me. Lord, I don’t deserve Your unconditional love or Your overflowing grace, yet I’m constantly receiving them. Thank You. Thank You for never giving up on me.
{FUNDRAISING UPDATE}
I’m still in need of funding in order to be fully funded by January 1st.
If you’re considering donating to my race, I ask that you please pray into it and follow God’s leading. Donations can be made anonymously, if desired, and all donations are tax-deductible!
Merry Christmas & God Bless!
