After a week-long conference in Dublin with all other active squads, I am still processing the messages and mixed theologies that comprised the “Awakening.”
I undoubtedly enjoyed Seth Barnes' session on “Kingdom Dreams.” I must admit that I rushed on over to this session on the first day, excited to be encouraged by this intelligent individual who (along with others) started AIM and The World Race 21 years ago. I value this man's insights, encouragement, visionary-ing skills, and networking abilities. His love of God and His people is obvious within the first minutes of meeting him and I always walk away feeling more empowered to pursue the 'kingdom dreams' that are intricately interwoven into my being. In many ways, he reminds me of my Dad and after nearly 9 months from the States and anything (as well as anyone) familiar, it was like a fresh breath of air from the shores of Hoth (a nearby sea town) to listen to him and chat with him afterward about one of the ngo ideas I have.
But other than that—I must admit that a combination of being sick and a non-receptive attitude blocked me from really learning and being receptive to the majority of the speakers. By the last night, I was tired of being shuttled around like a child and a dear friend of mine was feeling about the same. So, we skipped the last session to eat naan, trail mix, and brownies in the lush yard of a church that was established in 1582. I felt a tad awkward for trespassing, but not enough to change my mind about it and the few hours hours we spent praying, encouraging one another, and speaking truth and life into each other were far more valuable than I could have hoped for or imagined.
In all honesty, I've felt suppressed this year. With guidelines, dominating personalities, rules, and my own selfish desires for freedom and exploration that the Race does not afford. It all makes sense in the legal and safety realms, but cliffs and 'no trespassing' signs are like a siren to me. I don't feel completely 'alive' or 'awake,' as the following Google-d definitions outline. While I have loved the countless experiences, opportunities, and people I've been privy to this year, I look forward to the freedom of being adventurous, creative, and individualistic in my life post-Race. I look forward to be 'awakened' in this next season of my life, just as I was when Seth Barnes encouraged me to pursue my dream of providing eyeglasses to students in Kenya and as Kerry Bates reminded me of who I am.
Awake: not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
Awaken: cause to become awake or conscious
Awakening: the act of waking
Alive: possessing life; full of life and spirit → This is where I desire to be.
Pictures by Glenalyn Hunt and Jeanne Bensch.
