At home I always tease my hair. I like to make it big and wear my red lipstick. I like to make my eye lashes long and thick and sometimes wear a dress with a tiger on it. Or even a bold pattern with a pair of skinny jeans. While being on the race, I often feel pressured to look.."outdoorsy". Just because I'm on the race, doesn't mean I can't have my original style. I can be myself. Although, I know I don't have to wear make-up to be beautiful or make my heart prettier. I am perfectly content on not wearing make-up or doing my hair. Girl (or boy) please, it's messy anyways! It's not an idol in my life. I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't be anyone else except yourself. If The Lord says something to you, then be obedient. He's the one who is shaping you, so His outcome is always the best. In Albania our contact George said, "you make a good you and a rubbish somebody else!" I am learning who I am in Christ and He has made me so unique, there isn't anyone else like me in the whole entire world. Future racers, please bring things that make you comfortable! Yes, there is a limit but you can make it work. If there is a favorite perfume or deodorant, bring it! It's the little things that make you feel "normal" and at home wherever you are, at any time. I like my earrings and headbands, so I brought them.I wear a hoop in my nose, and I love it. It's who I am. It's also okay if those material possessions break or get lost. At the end of the day, it's God that matters.
This past month I ran my first 5k! I was blessed with a new pair of shoes, God cares about my aching body and shin splints! Woohoo!! I have been in sports my whole life up until the past couple of years. I have let myself slip and gained a lot of weight. It makes me uncomfortable when I know I can be a "smaller" size and realizing I haven't been treating my body right. I decided it was time to put an end to it. I have awesome teammates who pushed me every day to take better care of my "temple". God made me a healthy being, so I need to act on it! I am starting to see a difference and feel it. Our bodies are capable of so much more than we think. The more I push myself physically, I also push myself spiritually. Again, just because I'm in a different country doesn't mean I can't start new things!
(It was "missionary" themed and we dressed in mish outfits and had different activities. Etc., stuffing a sleeping bag in a stuff sack, eating a lot of bread, and different WR terms.)
Every day is full of choices. From the moment you wake up to the time you put your head on your pillow. I choose to make God apart of every area in my life. I see Him everywhere I go. Divine appointments happen on a daily basis and I choose to walk in His favor. I choose to love the people around me. I choose to not let fear of man take over my heart. I choose and declare to not let the enemy take hold of my weakness, because God has won victory over me. I choose to walk in freedom. I choose to dance and sing.
Bulgaria was a life transformation for me. I am so grateful for this month. My new season of womanhood and joy. Man, I love my life. I love Jesus with my whole heart. It's the best way to go.
You should all watch this video! My amazing squadmate, Jonathan Garner, made this. Please be praying for the squad to reach this last deadline! We don't want anyone going home because of money!
