Today is my last day of ministry on the World Race. Tomorrow we’re celebrating Thanksgiving and on Friday we leave for our final debrief. In less than two weeks, I’ll be in America.
I have about a thousand and one emotions about all of this. It’s a hard feeling to describe. But on the cusp of my return home, I suppose you might say that I feel sort of like a ship that’s been out to sea for a very long time.
(Team ROAR on our very first day of ministry, back in January)
I feel a bit tossed around and weathered. My clothes are sort of drenched and salty, my hair is knotted up by the wind. I guess to some, I might look a little rough. But inside, I’m bursting with life. I feel like I’m standing at the nose of the boat, like the classic scene in Titanic, and I’m shouting out into the waves with excitement.
But my soul is looking for a harbor, a place where it can come to dock for a while. I’ve been carrying around some important cargo for a while, stuff that’s been invested in me this year, and it’s time for me to drop it off. I want to sail into a dock and unload that cargo of my heart. But not all of it I guess– just the stuff that’s meant for others to see and hear and use.
So I’m coming home in ten days, and I feel good about that. I feel peace about my next steps, despite their ambiguity, and I feel confident that I’m sailing in the right direction.
(Playing in waterfalls on our off day in the Philippines)
The best way for you to love and support me as I come into the harbor, so to say, is by being gracious and patient with me. Give me time to settle in. Give me time to find a dock. Ask me lots of questions, but be patient if I take a minute to answer. Help me unload all this cargo. And also, buy me Mexican food and milkshakes.
Thank you, forever, for the support you’ve given me so far. I can’t wait to see most of you very soon.
Until then,
Much love from the Philippines
(photos from Jonathan Garner)
