The race has been a beautiful, messy, crazy, and adventurous experience of a lifetime. I have loved it so much! As this season comes to an end, it’s so bitter-sweet. There are so many things I will miss about the race, but also so many things I’m looking forward to as I return home. I have a lot of mixed emotions, a lot of hard goodbyes to say, and a lot sweet reunions to look forward to.
As the race comes to a close, I am beginning to look forward to the next chapter of my life. I am looking forward with eagerness, passion, and excitement to discover what the Lord has in store next. I have a lot of goals, hopes, and Kingdom dreams that the Lord has ignited in my heart, and I am so excited to see what he is going to do with all of them!
To be completely honest, I think returning home will be really hard for me. The race has been one of the best seasons of my life and transitioning out of that is going to be hard. Transitioning back into the American lifestyle will be really challenging.
After experiencing what I’ve experienced, seeing what I’ve seen, and meeting the people I’ve met, I will never be the same. My perspective is forever changed and I will never see this world the same way again. I’ve experienced living in an African village with no running water, no American toilets, and absolutely nothing culturally familiar. I’ve fallen in love with street kids who taught me more than I could ever teach them. I’ve seen some of the worst poverty in the world. I’ve prayed for those in desperate need of food, healing, and hope. I’ve preached in churches all over the world and shared my testimony with prostitutes in the bush of Africa. I’ve held orphans in my arms and experienced an overwhelming and powerful love for them that is completely and soely from the Father. I’ve experienced the depth and fullness and of the Lord’s healing. I’ve learned to love more deeply and more selflessly and hold nothing back. I’ve laughed so hard that I’ve peed my pants more than once. I’ve experienced the undeniable, uncircumstancial, and DEEP JOY of the Father. I’ve experienced church around the world and watched people worship the same God in many different ways. I’ve shared the Gospel with people in rural villages who were thirsty and in need of Jesus. I’ve built relationships with people around the world and met people I will never forget. I’ve had some really hard and uncomfortable conversations that have brought deeper intimacy in my community. I’ve paraglided over the Himalaya’s in Nepal, snorkled in crystal clear ocean water in Thailand, and hiked up an active volcano in Guatemala. But throughout everything I experienced – the most important thing, and perhaps the purpose of it all – is deeper intimacy with the Father.
So after ALL of this, how can I easily come home to my comfortable life in the U.S? I can’t. There’s just no way that coming home will be easy after this experience. I don’t know if I will remember how to socialize like a normal person right away. I don’t know what it will feel like to sleep in a room by myself again. I don’t know what it will be like to not be with my teammates 24/7. I don’t know how often I’ll remember that flushing toilet paper is completely normal and acceptable in the U.S. I don’t know if I will cry a lot or laugh a lot when I talk about the race. I don’t know if I will be remembered or forgotten by the people who promised they would be there when I got back. I don’t know how people have changed since I’ve been gone. I don’t know what it will be like to go on a date again. I don’t know how much I will miss the people I left in each country. I don’t know how much it will hurt when I think of them. I don’t know if I will enjoy or resent the American culture. I don’t know what community will be like anymore. I don’t know if I will feel completely alone or completely connected with the people around me.
There are so many unknowns and fears that I have about coming home. As I have shared all of these things with the Lord, he has constantly and tenderly reminded me of his faithfulness, his provision, and his presence. He has whispered this promise in my ear: “Jocelyn, my daughter. Be patient. Be patient and you will find it. I will show you.” I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly what that means, but I know that whatever it is, it will be good and it will be fruitful. Whatever it is, I’m eager and excited to find out. Whatever it is, I trust the Lord with all my heart.
I guess I really haven’t answered the big question that everyone wants to know – what’s next? My honest answer – I don’t know. My practical answer – applying for jobs, spending time with loved ones, investing in my church, and going on more outdoor adventures. As of right now, I will be staying in Albuquerque until the Lord leads me somewhere else. I miss my hometown, I miss my family and friends, and God knows how much I miss New Mexican food.
So yes, I’m coming home and I don’t really know exactly what to expect when I get there. But even with all the unknowns and all the fears I have, I have even more confidence and more peace about it because the Lord is FAITHFUL. He always has been and always will be. I know he will be with me every step of the way. I know he will lead me, guide me, and show me the way he wants me to go. I know he will open doors for me. I know he will provide for me. I know that no matter what I do, the desire of my heart is to love the Lord and love others no matter where I am. He has given me tremendous peace, assurance, and confidence about coming home.
The World Race has been an amazing and unforgettable season of my life. A season that has changed my perspective and changed the way I see the world. A season that has taught me what is truly important in life. A season full of fun, laughter, and adventure. A season that I have grown and learned so much. A season that has ignited big hopes and dreams in my heart. But even though this year has been one of the best seasons of my life, it is NOT be the greatest thing that will happen in my life. Greater things are yet to come. There is still SO MUCH MORE, and I can’t wait to discover what it is!
I’m so very thankful so those who have faithfully supported me throughout this journey. The Lord used YOU to make a difference in the world. I’m so glad I have been able to share this journey with you, and I can’t wait to tell you more about it face to face!
**I will be home at the end of this month. I will be spending my first week at home with my family, but I will be available beginning August 1st to meet up or speak publicly about my mission. If you would like to hear more about the race or if you are interested in having me speak at your church, please message me on Facebook or email me at [email protected]. I would LOVE to share about this experience with you! I can’t wait to see all of you!!!
