I wanted to have this epic first blog, that completely draws you in and leaves you thinking “man, that’s a cool chick.” However, I’m the queen of awkward so I just figured I would tell you kind of where I’m at as far as plans for the race go!
As of about 3 weeks ago, I got the call saying I had been accepted as a member on the September Route 5 squad. Saying I was excited was such an understatement. However, actually coming to terms with the fact that in a little over 6 months I would be leaving my family and friends to head out on this crazy, wild journey FOR 11 MONTHS. . . pffft entirely different ballgame. I was (and still get) scared out of my mind. I spent the next 2 weeks stressing about why this was a terrible idea and that I couldn’t possibly go. I mean I’m graduating from an amazing college in May and what would I do? Just put off the degree I’d spent 4 years earning? What a waste right?
Wrong. God has completely turned my world upside down, inside out, and any other way He could turn it since my acceptance. And all for the better. From the classes I enrolled into this semester to the people I’ve come in contact with to the countless stories I’ve heard from other racers; God has placed numerous opportunities for me to realize that this is His plan for me. Every time the tiniest inkling of doubt about my decision creeps into the front of my mind, He is there to show me the answer.
This morning, specifically, I found myself looking at the instagram of a race alum. There was one picture that immediately grabbed my attention. The picture showed three people riding a scooter of some sort and the caption described how the racer had not known that later that day she would be preaching in front of a hundred plus people. My stomach dropped. You mean to tell me that there’s a chance that not only will I have to get up in front of people, but that I may have to get up and tell them my testimony?! I could have laid down right there in the bathroom floor. But there it was. God was once again showing His provision. I immediately started to ask myself ” Am I really doubting this entire journey because I will have to tell my own personal story about my walk with Christ?” How selfish would that be?
I write all of this not to say that I have it all figured out. I don’t. I write this to tell you that I am willing. I want to learn, and God has allowed me the past 21 years to teach me how. I want to serve, and He has provided me the positions to do so. Sacrificing 11 months of my life sounds absolutely ridiculous, but I take such faith in knowing that if God has shown up in every other aspect of my life up til now, why would my time preparing for and going through the race be any different?
I ask you now to begin praying for me. I ask you to begin praying for my awesome team. I ask you pray for our families. I ask you pray for our training. I ask you pray.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” – Isaiah 55:12
