I remember the day I first heard about the World Race. I remember the day I had my interview, and the day I got accepted. I remember the day I had second thoughts because I didn’t think I could do it. I remember the day I broke down and told God I needed a miracle, that if He wanted me to go that He’d have to bring in the funds. I remember the day when He did. I remember the days I packed and planned. I remember the days where I wondered if what I was packing was enough, too much or if I was forgetting anything important. I remember the days I started to freak out because I wasn’t ready and time was running out. I remember the night that I left and how my Pops made everything fit in my pack while I rushed around the house making sure I wasn`t forgetting anything. I remember saying good bye in the airport. I remember the months when time was going so slowly and I missed home like crazy. I remember the months that went so fast I almost wondered if they’d happened at all. I remember the days when all I wanted was normal food and I remember the day it didn’t seem so important anymore. I remember the days when I didn`t give everything I had and I remember the days I gave more. I remember the days when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore and I remember the days that God did it through me and gave me strength to carry on. I will remember the experiences of the past 11 months, for the rest of my life!

 

It seems like an impossible task to summarize the last year in a few words or even in a blog.. maybe ’cause it is. One thing that I can say is that God is good. So good and so faithful. Without Him this year would have been impossible.

Being home has been one of the hardest transitions so far. The first couple of weeks I was overwhelmed and way more exhausted than I expected. I made plans with as many people as I thought I could fit in and ended up cancelling half of them due to lack of energy and poor scheduling skills. Rather than writing plans down (which I haven’t had to do for the 11 months on the race. I tried to remember everything in my head.. turns out I’m quite forgetful.) The past week or so I have been better at organizing my time so I’ve had lots of time to rest and get organized- such a good feeling!

It’s been hard to figure out how to apply everything I’ve learned and share it with whoever wants to hear. It’s been hard being away from my squad, my team and being away from the constant encouragement and similar mind set. It’s been hard coming back into a world where people have so much to be thankful for and yet aren’t satisfied and only want more. It’s been hard finding time to spend with Jesus when there are so many distractions. But praise Jesus because He’s been beside me every step of the way! I have a wonderful family and group of friends who support me and encourage me and my squad is only a facebook chat or a skype call away J

~

I had a dream. God had a plan to bring it to life.

This is not the end, it’s only the launching pad into everything else that God has planned for me. How exciting! J Jesus is has taught me so much, but He has so much more to teach me! He has shared so much with me, but has so much more to share with me. At the end of September I will be going back to Honduras for 3 months to continue working with Tony and his ministry, An Opportunity in Honduras. (http://www.anopportunityinhonduras.blogspot.com/) I’m so excited and can’t wait to continue living life with them! I have a new blogsite if you’re intersted in following me: http://ashley-june.blogspot.com/

Thanks again for reading my stories, thoughts and feelings; and for supporting me through funds and prayers. You’ve been a blessing to me!

Ashley