So, what does the Race look like to me? Well, I know what is usually thought when someone mentions the word "race." In fact, a few times when I have talked about The World Race, people think I am talking about a variation of The Amazing Race. So what is the definition in our society for a race? I went to good ol' Merriam and Webster for their assistance with the definition:
Definition of RACE
There is one definition in there that seems accurate to my expectations from the WR.
3: A set course or duration of time much like the course of life.
That isn't all the World Race is to me, but that is basically the jist of it. This race is part of the course of life over a set duration of time, but it's a course I never really imagined my life would be taking, and it's a course that really will have no defined end. I believe that by embarking upon this race, I will be changing the course of my life, even when I return from the mission field.
But I suppose I haven't addressed my expectations as of yet. I am actually trying my best not to have any expectations. I know it will be difficult. I know I will be broken down so that Christ may be better seen through me. I know my imagination can run wild with me thinking about bugs so large they'll be able to carry me away, mosquitoes constantly taunting me with the promise of yellow fever or malaria, coming into contact with humanity that is constantly confronted by disease, starvation, and deprivation… and then I have to stop and remind myself that the only expectation I should have for what is in store is that God is going to show up. Not only is He going to show up, but as I continue to seek Him, and I continue to place every aspect of my life into His divine and sovereign hands, He is going to show off.
I am expecting change. Not only am I expecting to make a change and make a difference, but I am expecting to be changed. No longer do I wish to live this life for myself, but rather for the Lord and His eternal kingdom.
What I am looking forward to most is spending time with my people in Romania. I come from good Hungarian stock, and I am told Romania is 1/3 Hungarian. I can't wait for that! I am also looking forward to taking action against human trafficking. I think that will probably come into play in Thailand and Cambodia, but as it is a global epidemic, I may come face to face with its ugliness sooner than I expect.
What am I expecting? I am expecting to serve, to be made uncomfortable, to be filled with a love for the Lord's people (even in a greater way than I have now), to learn the value of community, and to not live a life centered around myself. I am expecting these lessons to continue beyond the Race and effect the rest of my life… but that's getting a bit ahead of myself.
For now, I shall simply leave you with saying I am expecting to encounter the Saviour and grow in wisdom and understanding of His unchanging love for me, and to share that with the world!
