Take a look at your five closest friends. That is who you are.
I can say I’ve always had friends, but when it comes to close friends, I’ve always kept that circle small. I never really know who I can trust. And, as I get older, that circle gets smaller and smaller due to choosing not to hangout with people that have chosen to use drugs or alcohol or party every weekend. It’s just not my crowd.
And God knows that.
I can be really loud or really quiet. I can be very passionate about something or not care at all. It all depends on the situation. But one thing for sure is, is when I’m with a group of people I know I shouldn’t associate with, I get quiet and tend to keep to myself.
But that is not how it is with World Race.
From the very start, I knew this was going to be an experience of a lifetime. I knew I was going to meet people from all over the country and get to travel the world with them. I wasn’t the first to be put on the team and I was not the last. One of the girls saw my post on Instagram and asked for me to message her my number so she could add me to the group chat. She introduced me and immediately messages saying “welcome” and “so happy you’re here” and “welcome to the family” started popping up. For girls and guys who had already been connected through social media for months, I was welcomed with arms wide open! What better way to start this journey?! It was so overwhelming but they made me feel at home. And being connected with a group of people my age, who love God, and want to share His word with the world is such an amazing experience. We are learning through each other and through Christ.
I’ve learned best that sharing is caring. Literally.
It is one thing to be a group of people. You can be a group of people with kids in your history class or people on the street. But this, this is a family. Our family. There is no better way to describe it than the mere fact that God brought us all together for a reason. We are here to share His word and to lean on each other. I never knew how close I could get to people I have never met. But here I am, a month in, and I can honestly say that I love my team. We’ve all become so close and I would do anything for them. We keep each other in the loop and that is such an amazing thing.
Prayer request? Bad day? Cute animal? Funny story? Silly pictures? Weird dream? New hair cut? It’s always the same outcome! Everyone answers right away wanting to hear more, know more, and talk about it. Bringing up scripture and giving their input. It is so overwhelming knowing that these people are here every second of the day. This is only a month in, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to apply and participate in World Race: Gap Year. These ties we are making are going to last a lifetime.
Take a look at your five closest friends. (in my case 37) This is who you are now and who you are to become.
I don’t know about you, but I’m proud to associate myself with these wonderful people. And I am proud that we are all growing in Christ together.
