A friend messaged me the other day and asked if the Race has been fun. And I honestly responded with “no.” And my answer really threw her off and surprised her I think. I think that she expected me to say “yeah, of course” or “the time of my life”. I believe that it’s really easy to assume that I have been on a vacation this year. And I know by the pictures of me holding little children, beautiful landscapes around the world, or pictures of adventures with my beloved C squad family that it’s easy to assume.
Honestly, to show you guys the real experience I should have posted pictures of me ugly crying, or using the squatty because i’ve had diarrhea for six days straight, losing my temper, or me being grumpy because I have had oatmeal every morning for the last seven months straight, because there were a lot more of those times than anything else.
Yeah I have had some fun moments and days. Experiences that I will never forget. But overall, this year has been hard and painful. It has been a beautiful journey but it has been rough at times. It has been 11 months of refinement. And I’m not complaining one bit. I know I signed up for this. And I wouldn’t give anything in the entire world for this experience! I am FOREVER grateful to all of my supporters for the last 11 months. Forever grateful to all of the ministries and contacts that have allowed for this mission trip to happen. Thankful in the hard times and the really great times.
So what’s next??
Well our plane from Malaysia will fly into LAX at the end of November. From there, two squadmates, Nicole and Cait, and I will be traveling throughout California. We plan on reuniting with old friends and making plenty of new ones along the way. Telling people all about our past year and exploring as much as possible. So if you know of anyone who lives in the LA or San Francisco area or really cool things that we must do please message me and let me know!
After that I will fly home to the wonderful state of Iowa on December 16th and spend as much time with my family and friends, resting, and eating as much delicious food as possible.
FINALLY, after all of the holidays and starting 2015, I have had a few options to choose from but have decided to go back into the mission field!
SO in January. Yes January 2015, I will be leading a Passport trip. Passport is a three month mission trip through Adventures In Missions (AIM- the same organization that the World Race is through). I will lead a group of girls and partner with a ministry in one country for three months. I am so excited to continue growing in leadership and continue to tell the nations the Gospel.
I know that it is a really quick turn around. But I’m ready. I’m not trying to escape the United States or prolong the re-entry process from this last year. Believe me, I can’t wait to sleep in a bed with sheets and be able to get coffee from my favorite coffee shop whenever I want. But for this next season I know this is what the Lord has called me into. I am so excited to be leading and discipling again. Being a missionary is something that I would have never ever ever considered being only a few years ago. But God restores and brings purpose to people’s lives and I believe that my purpose is to continue to live out the Great Commission to the nations.
I have already been fully funded to go on Passport!! However, I still need to purchase my airplane ticket to and from Atlanta, GA for launch and when I return to the states. So, if you would like to personally support me you can do that through Paypal, just let me know and I can send you a personal message, or send checks to:
Kelsey Kraus
3105 120th Street
Cumming, IA 50061
I can’t wait to have lunch dates and catch up with so many of you. The past 11 months of your life is just as important as mine and I can’t wait to hear about it!
