Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me."
Psalm 50:23
 
In two weeks, I will fly from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Kampala, Uganda to begin Month 7 on the Race. Tomorrow marks the halfway mark of my World Race journey. Five and a half months down, five and a half months to go. This brings mixed feelings. Day 1 in India seems like so long ago, and when I look back, I cannot believe all that has happen in the past six months. The reality that I have lived in India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. What is my life?! How did we get here?

When I look ahead to the second half of my journey, another five and a half months, I can feel overwhelmed. That seems so far away. This morning I talked with some of my best friends from home and my heart broke wanting to physically be with them. Soon my entire family will be together for the holidays, but I will not be there. Five more countries, five more months until I am with them again. 

But at other times, I feel like these 5 and a half months have flown by! Some days on the Race can seem long, but months seem so short. And once we leave Asia in two weeks, we only have three months in Africa and two in Europe. Africa will be such a culture shock after six months in Asia; we joke that thus far we've been on the "Asia Race" not the World Race. 

I prayed that I would not spend my time in Vietnam counting down the days until we leave for Africa, and God has been faithful to keep my mind and heart present in Ho Chi Minh. I love this city even though the constant noise and activity can be overwhelming. God has provided for me every step of the way. Every month, each season, Jesus has been more than enough. When I left the States in July, God blessed me with "peace beyond understanding" and five and a half months later, I have the same peace. Even when I miss my friends and family, when I am emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted, and miss my life back in America, I know this is where I am supposed to be. There is nothing for me back home right now, I am supposed to be here. My Father delights in me enough to pull me away for a while to show me new things, to prepare me, and to woo me. 

As I read through the Psalms this morning, the verse at the beginning of the blog grabbed my attention. My desire everyday is to glorify my Father. And in the midst of missing my friends and family and feeling exhausted, I want to give thanks to God for all that He has done on this journey. For His faithfulness, for new revelation about His character and heart, for wisdom and the ability to speak life over others, for the community He has given me, for all that He has shown me, and for the chance to go with my Father to so many places and love so many people. I will give thanks to my Father through pictures as I reflect on the first half of the Race.
 

Dad, you are always good. You love me so much. You have set my upon a rock and make my steps secure. You are always with me. You are peace, you are security, and you are always enough. You don't need me, but you delight in me. You take me to new places and have given me authority to bring light to the darkness and speak life into dead bones. I now share in the same inheritance as Jesus, you have given it to me. You will be faithful. Blow my mind the second half of this Race. You, Jesus, are better than life itself. I want more. I find rest in You. I love you Dad so much.
 
India

Nepal

Thailand

Malaysia

Cambodia

Hope you enjoyed this photo recap! All glory to God for the love, joy, and peace that has been experienced the first half of this journey. A big thanks to my friends, family, and supporters; God has used you in a mighty way! Be on the look out for photos from Vietnam. Love to you all!