Some people know the reason they came on the World Race. They came to preach to the masses, they came to care for the poor and sick, they came to pray over others, they came to share Christ around the world. I came for those reasons too. I wanted to love others, that was my main mission. But every once in awhile, you are in a specific place at a specific time for a specific purpose.
My squad talked a lot about not coasting to the end of the Race once we entered Guatemala. A few in the squad reminded us all ‘The Race isn’t over yet,’ ‘don’t check out,’ ‘there is more to do and see,’ etc. I was one who encouraged not checking out too soon because you never knew who would have their revelation or that one special conversation during Month 10 or 11.
And this time, that person was me.
On the last Friday of ministry, I had a conversation with a young man and I am 100% positive he was the reason I came on the Race. I was right where I needed to be in that moment.
I could tell he was having a rough day when he got home from school. He was still smiling and joking, but there was a sadness to him. In typical teenage boy fashion he teased me when I teared up saying goodbye to the Tío & Tía of Casa Uno, but he stayed a little closer than usual. We went about our separate afternoon activities with English class and dinner, then we came back together for devotion. After devotion he took off to the field by himself, which is really unusual for the funny, social guy of the group. I looked at my teammate, Mary, and said I had to go check on him. I headed to the field and sat down next to him. When I looked over, I could tell he was crying so I just hugged him. We stayed like that for awhile before either of us talked. I asked if he wanted to talk and if he needed to he could speak in Spanish and I would do my best to follow. He took a moment and told me about his parents and why he was at Brazos de Amor. He was sad and hurt. I did not have words for him. I have felt a little of the same sadness due to some past experiences in my life. I looked at him and held him and asked if he knew he was loved. He nodded his head. I told him, God loves you and so do I. And then we just sat for awhile and cried together.
It wasn’t a life-changing conversation for him I don’t think, but it made me realize why I was there. This kid needed to be held and loved and listened to in that moment. He needed someone to tell him he was loved and chosen. I am very thankful God had planned for us to be together for that moment.
That was also the moment I knew my heart would break when I left him. On Sunday, I said ‘goodbye’ (praying fervently that it’s really only ‘see you later’) to my friends/family at Brazos de Amor. It was the hardest goodbye of the Race. I left my heart there.
The World Race may be over, but the ‘Race of Life’ is still going, we are still alive. It is not always easy to keep going, sometimes there are obstacles, huge hills, trucks/cars/animals to avoid or dodge, but I strongly encourage you to keep pressing in. Keep going and looking for ways to serve and love, especially when it is difficult. You never know when your ‘moment’ will come, it could be on the last day…
