Month seven is over and all I can say is…
Month eight is a strange place to be.
On one hand, I’ve finally gotten the hang of this World Race thing. It’s funny to think that this lifestyle has become normal to me because really, there is nothing normal about it. But, alas, moving from country to country every month has become commonplace… the bittersweet goodbyes, the slight culture shock and adjustment to the new place, the unpredictable ministries and housing situations, every part has become a normal part of my life. Part of me is unsure what life will even look like when I return to the States and stay in the same place for more than four weeks…
On the other hand, it’s getting harder and harder to be away from home. As time goes on, it is a fight to remain present. We joke that the Race is like a marriage and the “honeymoon period” has ended. Don’t get me wrong, this remains an incredible experience, but at times it’s a fight to overcome the homesickness to see the blessing that it is.
But God taught me a huge lesson about waiting on Him. Trusting Him and the importance of remaining present in the season He has me in. For some time it was a day by day process of waking up, surrendering my homesickness and my desire for the future, and recommitting myself to the Race and all that God has for me in the present.
And I found that as I did that… the homesickness faded and the joy and excitement for the present increased. There are still moments I feels waves of overwhelming homesickness, but all in all, since arriving in Kenya, I am more present. I’ve dived into getting to know the people God puts in my path. And pushing into a life of Kingdom living… of love, service, sacrifice, and fully seeking my Father and all He has for me.
Living everyday to love and be loved.
That keeps me focused. That keeps me present.
So, month eight, BRING IT ON.
