This past week I was blessed to be able to go on a vacation with my parents and my sisters to one of my favorite vacations spots, Cedar Point, Ohio. There I was able to spend some quality time with them before I launch for the World Race as well as get some good old adrenaline juice in my blood. If you don't know this about me already, I LOVE LOVE LOVE roller coasters. On our first ride, Maverick, I embarrassed Heidi pretty badly when we were at the front of the line and I shook the life out of her and shouted "I'm so excited!".
Picture: Me, Anna, and Heidi with Top Thrill Dragster in the background.
But over the past few years I have learned that I also like my quiet time. I am also pretty independent and like to be self-sufficient. As much as I love people and as social as I like to be, I can be completely content some days being on my own. So as all family vacations are, there were times when I became frustrated and irritated with my family and having to wait for them, cooperate, etc. This was a good teaching moment for me to realize how I need to prepare for 11 months worth of working together with my team. Now don't get me wrong, I love teamwork. I've been playing on team sports since I was 5 years old, and the majority of my past jobs teamwork has been a main component.
But each morning of vacation while my family was still sleeping I woke up to an amazing run on the beach where after I had some quiet time with God.
Picture: View on the beach post-run
I relished this so much, knowing that in less than a month I won't be able to have runs like these. Runs when I don't have to wait for someone to run with or plan ahead. I can just get up and run. Ah Freedom. (Side Note: I have been BLESSED to have multiple teammates, Brian and Paige, who both love running as much if not more than me!!! ) This vacation made me ponder the many freedoms I have now that I won't have on The World Race. Not because I am dreading this intensely, but I believe that in order to be a better Racer for God, my teammates, and myself, I need to address the things I will do without.
So without further rambling, here are some of the Freedoms I will be Losing:
- Solo Runs
- Actual alone time
- Driving privileges
- Being able to walk alone and explore
- Being able to walk at night freely
- Eating what I want, when I want
- Being able to wear the clothing I want
- Going out with friends
So you may ask, Why Go?
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?". -Matthew 16:25-27
THAT IS WHY.
And because I will gaining so much more. I will be putting aside earthly treasures and gaining heavenly ones.
- The start of my Kingdom Journey
- A closer and more intimate relationship with God
- A community of Brothers and Sisters in Christ that will love me and support me, and vice versa 🙂
- The opportunity to serve God's people in many different ways
- Wisdom and Knowledge from my Brothers and Sisters
- A better understanding of who God is, and the wonders He is capable of
- Loving on all the CHILDREN!!!!!!
- Learning the Word more deeply.
I could not be more excited to leave on what is going to be a crazy and wild ride. This next month I will be saying goodbyes, fundraising, and finishing up all preparation needed to leave. I appreciate all of your continued support, prayers, and love!!! Prayers needed for the next month include for me to continue to grow closer to God, to cherish each and every day, to continue to spread the Word and tell people about my trip, for my health, for my squad and my teammates, and for continued fundraising.
Stay Classy,
Cara
"Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked , to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood".-Isaiah 58: 6-7
