“Hi, my name is…” (Same-Same, But Different)

327 days ago we met in the Miami airport. By 5 a.m. we were in line for our flight to Mexico City, then on to Cancun, where our first travel fun began. There was no money in our AIM accounts due to a small oversight (the accounts had been closed by the bank, unbeknownst to us), and once we pooled enough money to get bus tickets….That first bus taking us to Palenque broke down. We made it to the Shekinah Bible School a bit tired but laughing and excited…

We were practically strangers, and we had signed on to live together for 11 months, traveling to tell people about Jesus. Sounds pretty sweet, eh?

hmm.

As I think about the journey spanning 26 countries, four continents and one purpose, I look back on those 32 people (the first squad ever, by the way, to make it through without losing a single member)….well I can see that we have embodied one of our favorite Asian sayings: “Same-same, but different.”

When we come home you may think we are the “same” as when we left a year ago. You will see 32 Christians with a thirst for adventure and a desire to serve. But in our hearts we know that we are “same-same.” And by that we mean, we’re “…but, different.”

I am a child of the King of the universe. He created me and He loves me and has a PURPOSE for me. Yes,  I said all that before I ever came on the Race, but now I actually believe it with all my heart. Same-same, but different. Any of the other 31 F-squad peeps would agree.

But the funny thing is, this long journey, these changes and lessons and transformations…they’re not even FOR US. The point is not for me, Katie, to go and have a lovely little life, traveling and photographing and feeling sorry for broken people. The point is that I, Katie Rowland, as a walking-talking-breathing representative of Jesus Christ, the most high king, can ONLY give him glory. It ain’t for me, friends and family. God didn’t make me “same-same, but different,” just so you all can smile and say “well done” and pat me on the back. He put his Holy Spirit inside of me so that when you see the Katie that is “same-same, but different”–the Katie “Christ” Rowland–you will begin to see a glimpse of God’s own heart for this messed-up world.

…You will see how he loves broken teenagers enough that he sends them a friend to listen with a forgiving and open heart and the love of Christ.

….You will see how he loves prostitutes enough to send some foreigners into their bars with a different purpose than typical business…with a purpose of showing them that redemption is possible, free, and just a prayer away.

…You will see how he loves orphans enough to send some crazy Americans halfway around the world just to hold them for a little while.

….You will see how he loves the outcast gypsies enough to send his people, freed from the bindings of the law/legalism, into their midst to preach FREEDOM IN CHRIST.

And so you see, I am “same-same, but different.” Outwardly I look much the same; I still love dancing and good music and Tar Heel basketball and iced lattes. But my old heart is shattered. I left pieces of it in Nicaragua, Cambodia, Burma and Swaziland (especially). Faces and names are imprinted on my heart forever (you’ve met some along the way through my blog; you’ll meet more soon when I get a video up.) 

God is reshaping my heart, putting His own inside of it, changing my attitude, pouring out his grace on my life and calling me to rise up.

It really all comes down to this. Out there along the Race road, I met a God I didn’t know before.* He’s wrecked my life, asked me to let go of control and independence, turned my heart inside out and asked me to say Yes to his call, to bring HIS life and freedom and KINGDOM into a dying world.

Yes, God, yes!

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*thanks to Allison Johnston for that excellent quote!