This is it.
Yesterday was my last day of ministry, and I can’t believe it. There were so many times when I thought this adventure would never end, but here I am, at the beginning of my last week of the Race.
I can’t say it all, so I will just say this:
I have been transformed by God through this experience. I have learned how to love unconditionally because of countless situations. I have been humbled by serving, I’ve learned to praise God and be filled with joy even when circumstances point to a different response. Exponential learning and growth have been a regular part of my everyday life for 11 months.
God’s beauty is evident all around the world, whether it’s through the face of a child, the force of the ocean waves, or the unexplainable kindness of a stranger. Try as they might, poverty, destruction and filth cannot mask what God is doing and has done in each country I have been to. Where there is love, there is God.
I am beyond excited to get home and see everyone that I love, but also, I am not ready to say goodbye to the 60 people I have called family for the last 11 months. We have been there for each other for the hard lessons, the happy times, and all the moments in between (literally…ALL the moments!). This week will definitely be bittersweet! I cannot wait to see the paths my World Race brothers and sisters choose to take in their futures.
I am excited to bring all the stories and memories home to share with everyone. My World Race might be ending in a week, but this experience is not the end. I know without a doubt that I am not done with international mission work — my heart is in it!
To all those who supported me financially: THANK YOU! I could not have done this without you. Your support reached people around the world, to further God’s kingdom.
Thank you all for the prayers throughout the Race. They made a difference. You reading my blog made a difference; your comments made a difference.
Much love to everyone!! Prayers would be appreciated as I make this transition into a new chapter of my life. See you stateside!
<3
Alicia
PS- For those who were wondering, we were able to raise enough money at the hospital for a child to have a heart transplant!!!
