Month one of the World Race is officially over…..
We are meeting back up with our whole squad and will be traveling by bus starting tonight at 7:00 to head to our next destination in Trujillo, Peru!
We will arrive sometime on Monday and I am unsure of the living conditions (as far as I know, we are staying in our tents) and we will probably not have internet access, but I will be updating you as soon as I find out all the details…if we have internet!
I don’t even know where to begin wrapping up our first month in Ecuador. I could share all of the wonderful things that I have experienced this month, but that would consider me writing a novel, so I will save you and myself some time by sharing an overview of the month through pictures and a short video (above)!
This month has been full of blessings and has been filled with challenges. We have been beyond blessed this month in Ecuador with hot water, showers, the ability to cook our own meals, internet, beds, and a roof over our heads. We have also had an English speaking host who has been so gracious to open up her house for my teammates and I.
Something that I have learned this month is to not have any expectations.
One small example: This morning I woke up expecting to take my last hot shower (because who knows if we will have running water in Peru). I woke up extra early, hopped into the shower only to experience the chilling ice cold water running down my back. At first, I was annoyed and super frustrated, then reality hit. Some of the people on my squad have not even had running water this month and I am about to experience a year without all of the comforts of my life. I knew that when I signed up for this journey, but sometimes I forget. Although I am ready to grow and start living simply, I know it will not be easy.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
But like I said, this is just one example of the many expectations I set myself up for this month. This year is about to be filled with many obstacles and frustrations when things do not go as planned or if they do not go my way. But I am ready for God to show me His plans for my life. I am tried of doing life my way because when I do, I find myself let down and my path leads no where worth going.
“Sometimes you have to fall from the mountain to realize what you are climbing for. Obstacles are placed in our way to see if what we want is really worth fighting for. From every wound there’s a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, I was deeply wounded but I survived.”
I have thought a lot about where God has taken me this month and the plans that he has for me for the rest of my time here on the World Race.
My spiritual journey this month has been high up in the mountains and some days I have been low in the valleys…but through it all, God has been with me in those times of self doubt, and in those times when I was feeling hopeless. I am confident that these obstacles are showing up in my life to help me grow into the person I am supposed to become. I am coming out of a season in my life where I was in a valley…spiritually and emotionally. I am ready to see what God has up in the mountains and I will not stop climbing no matter what obstacles come my way!
“Don’t forget in the valley what God showed you in the mountains.”
When times get hard and the mountains are getting steep, look up to God and keep your vision on what’s ahead, not behind. Don’t get lazy and back track because you are exhausted by the steep hills. Get strength from the Lord. Don’t loose sight of what is in front of you and where you are going.
“Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting me to open up the way before you.”
Thank you again to all my supporters, you continue to be a blessing in my life!
Much Love, Emily Ann Halverson
Goodbye Ecuador, Hello Peru.
