Sometimes, I grow homesick for places I've never been; nostalgic for things I've never actually experienced. Encountering new lands and greeting fresh faces with the primary focus simply being to share our Father's love definitely appeases this peculiar discontent.
I chose this particular route of the World Race ("September Route 1") with one country firstly in mind: India. How I long to set foot in that land and allow the people there to set foot in my heart. At training camp for the Race in July, it was announced that we had a route change and would no longer be going to India. I was heartbroken. I shed more tears than I'd like to admit. And then I was frustrated. (I mean, I was STILL going to 11 different nations with the love of God in my heart and His word on my lips but not THE place I primarily envisioned this trip revolving around.)
I never questioned that this route was no longer the correct one for me, but I awaited and cried out for a heart-shift to return my affections toward abiding in trusting that God would move greatly in and through me wherever we were to go – or to not go.
At launch last week, our squad coordinator announced another route change – a big one! Only four countries we will be journeying to are countries from the original route. This time around, I couldn't be more excited. I really grasped that the best place to be isn't always where we think we'll be most passionate, or the place we are "homesick" for, but a place of aligning our hearts to His in wholehearted surrender. "When we align our hearts to Him, God will do everything in us He has purposed for that season, regardless of the route." -Becca Rillema (My very wise friend, who nonchalantly spoke this deep truth in one of our normal conversations. I loved it so much, I made her repeat it at least 3 times, and I've written in down to remind myself of it often. And now I'm posting it on the World Wide Web. Yay, wisdom.)
For my World Race, I am so blessed to be spending these eleven months in these eleven countries: China, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Japan, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Swaziland, and South Africa.
And so, we go. "We" being my lovely U Squad with our beautiful Father. He is so faithful to lead as we are faithful to follow.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
and my faith will be made stronger in the Presence of my Saviour.
(from the song "Oceans" by Hillsong United from the album "Zion." Take a listen and be encouraged to abide in a place of borderless trust.)
From my heart,
Erika Venese
