Departing Denver last September I had no idea what the next year would hold. My expectations were cautious but hopeful.
If you have been following the blog for any extended period of time you know what the Lord whispered to me while the Rocky Mountains disappeared was true — He had so much more to show me.
Flight Progression for my World Race:
- Denver to Atlanta
- Atlanta to LAX
- LAX to Hong Kong
- Hong Kong to Manila
- Manila to Bacalod
- Bacalod to Manila
- Manila to Hong Kong
- Beijing to Hong Kong
- Hong Kong to Johannesburg
- Johannesburg to Istanbul
- Istanbul to Bucharest
- Budapest to Warsaw
- Warsaw to NYC
- NYC to Miami
- Miami to Guatemala City
- Liberia to Miami
- Miami to NYC
- NYC to Denver
- Denver to Dallas
- Dallas to Denver
Having now returned to Denver, I am beginning the long journey of looking back and forward. Looking back with 20/20 vision over this last eleven months I would not change the decision to participate in the World Race. Not a minute of it. Looking forward at how this year will impact my future, well, that is a little more difficult to discern.
Historically, whenever we would enter a new country I’d share with you, in brief, a run down of our ministry for the month.
What about now?
What about this month?
What is the ministry summary for coming home?
Time will tell. But until time solidifies future endeavors I will share some of the thoughts running through my head:
China and Czech were two of my favorite months ministry wise and when I look at the similarities in the ministry model the consistencies include: speaking English, developing relationships with others to earn the right to share the Gospel with them by “doing life together.”
Some of you are aware or noticed that I took a brief stop through Texas on my way home from the Race. I went to Texas to evaluate an opportunity to help lead out in a leadership/discipleship training program. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to visit and that I accepted the invitation. It clarified for me that while I am open to moving out of Colorado for the right opportunity, this was not it. And that’s okay. For now, it confirmed that I need to include discipleship/apprenticeship in this next season/chapter and that I am content with the chance to be home for awhile.
This statistic caught my attention when it was shared in passing. Part of me was surprised but then part of me wasn’t at all when the quote continued, “the distraction is time spent worshiping the creation instead of worshipping the Creator.” My question to myself is simply what am I going to do about it? How will I take all I have learned this last year and apply it to my own country/state/city/backyard?
Earlier this week I had the privilege to attend a presentation on generational characteristics with an emphasis on communication. Contemplating the difference in how Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and now Millennials communicate gave me pause. But the following stopped me in my tracks…
How I can relate! After all, I just spent a year of my life in, as one friend put it, “a complete free fall.” Yes, I understand wanting a faith that doesn’t include seatbelts and safety nets. I also know that you can’t argue with story. So in addition to the above, I am trying to figure out ways to share my story. To share my “free fall” with others so that they too can know the wonderfully dangerous, adventure filled, deep love of Jesus.
